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Xtra Time Web Desk: The injury to Team India opener Shubman Gill has once again raised the debate about player’s hiding their injuries and playing for the country. The Punjab batsman is likely to be ruled out of the entire test series against England due to a stress fracture on the left shin. It is a bit baffling because neither BCCI nor the team management has come out with an update about Gill’s injury.

It is not sure whether Shubman was carrying the injury ahead of travelling to the UK. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman did not seemed to be in any sort of discomfort while playing the World Test Championship final. The talented batsman may have aggravated the injury during the WTC Final. It is expected that Gill may take at least two months to recover from the injury which will see him missing at least three test matches. He can be available for the final two test matches depending upon his rehabilitation.

There are several questions that could be raised regarding the injury to Gilll. First and foremost is why Team India physio was not aware about his injury? Secondly if Gill carried the injury before the UK departure, why was he taken on the tour? Thirdly, what is the exact extent of the injury? Most importantly if the team management knew about the injury, why was he risked in the WTC Final?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not announced any replacement for Shubman. There were talks of sending Prithvi Shaw to England despite the presence of three openers in the squad. Mayank Agarwal is the frontrunner to take the place of Shubman for the first test at Trentbridge starting from August 04. KL Rahul too is in the test squad in England. Bengal opening batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran is also in the side as a reserve player.