Shubman Gill likely to miss IND vs AFG, Jaiswal or Gaikwad on standby

New Delhi: Shubman Gill is likely to miss the upcoming IND vs AFG match in the ongoing ODI World Cup due to a shin injury, according to reports. The Indian selectors will be discussing with the team management whether to call up Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad as cover.

Gill had picked up the injury during the match against England on October 7, and was forced to retire hurt. He underwent further scans on October 9, which revealed that he would need at least another week to recover.

Jaiswal and Gaikwad are both in the reserves for the World Cup, and have been in good form recently. Jaiswal scored a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final for Mumbai, while Gaikwad has been in good form for Maharashtra in the same tournament.

The Indian selectors will make a decision on whether to call up Jaiswal or Gaikwad as cover for Gill after discussing with the team management.

What does this mean for India?

Gill's absence is a blow to India, as he has been one of their most consistent performers in recent months. He scored a century in the ODI series against England, and was also in good form in the T20I series against Australia.

If Gill is not fit to play against Afghanistan, India will have to decide on who to replace him with. Shikhar Dhawan is the most likely replacement, but he has been out of form in recent months. Alternatively, India could play Ishan Kishan at the top of the order, and move Shreyas Iyer to the middle order.

The Indian team management will also have to decide on whether to play Deepak Chahar or Shardul Thakur as the fifth bowler. Chahar is the more experienced bowler, but Thakur has been in better form in recent months.

What are the fans saying?

Indian cricket fans are disappointed with Gill's injury, but are confident that the team will be able to cope without him. Many fans are calling for Jaiswal to be called up as cover, as he is in good form and has the potential to be a match-winner.

However, some fans are also calling for KL Rahul to be recalled to the squad. Rahul was dropped after the ODI series against England, but he has been in good form in the Indian Premier League.

It will be interesting to see what decisions the Indian selectors and team management make ahead of the match against Afghanistan.