Shubman Gill Quashes Discipline Rumours, Prepares For T20 World Cup Super 8s

Shubman Gill has addressed rumours about his alleged disciplinary issues, which suggested he was being sent back home from the United States as Team India prepares for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.

The Indian team is set to travel to the Caribbean for the Super 8s. Gill and Avesh Khan, who were part of a four-man travelling reserve, were scheduled to be released from the T20 World Cup squad and return to India.

Recent social media speculation claimed that Gill was being sent back due to "disciplinary issues." Reports also suggested that Gill had unfollowed skipper Rohit Sharma on social media, hinting at a possible rift.

However, Gill dismissed these rumours with his latest social media post. He shared an Instagram story featuring a picture of Rohit Sharma, his daughter Samaira, and himself, captioned: "Sammy and I learning the art of discipline from @rohitsharma."

India's batting coach Vikram Rathour also addressed these rumours during a press conference. He clarified that the release of Gill and Avesh from the T20 World Cup squad was pre-planned.

"This was a plan from the beginning. When we come to the US, four players will come together. After that two will be released and two will travel with us to West Indies. So, this plan was made from the beginning since the team was selected. This was planned so we are just following that," Rathour stated.

Gill had travelled with the squad as a backup for one of the top three batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. With Rohit and Kohli being picked as first-choice openers and Jaiswal available, Team India decided to release Gill.

Avesh Khan may also be released as India is likely to use three spinners in the Caribbean leg of the T20 World Cup, with one pacer sitting out from the playing eleven.

India still has Sanju Samson in their 15-member squad as cover, with Rinku Singh available if needed to replace an injured batter. Similarly, Khaleel Ahmed is available should any of the fast bowlers sustain an injury.