Shubman Gill's availability status for IND vs WI 1st ODI issued [Source: AFP]India will meet West Indies in the first ODI of their three-match series on Sunday at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The hosts, however, faced an injury scare involving captain Shubman Gill ahead of the series opener.Gill suffered an elbow injury during Friday’s nets session, raising concerns over his availability for India vs West Indies 1st ODI. However, an official update has now emerged on whether the Indian captain will play despite sustaining the injury.Sitanshu Kotak declares Shubman Gill fit for IND vs WI 1st ODIIt was a huge development when Shubman Gill suffered an elbow injury during India’s nets session in Thiruvananthapuram, putting his availability for the India vs West Indies 1st ODI under a cloud ahead of Sunday’s much-awaited contest.However, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the concern during the pre-match press conference ahead of the 1st ODI. When asked about Gill’s availability after he sustained an elbow injury, Kotak provided an official update.“Shubman Gill is fine and good to go for the first ODI against West Indies tomorrow,” Sitanshu Kotak said.Kotak’s statement provides a major boost for India ahead of the series opener, confirming that Gill is expected to lead the team against West Indies despite the elbow injury scare that briefly raised concerns over his participation in the opening encounter.Shubman Gill Elbow Injury: What Happened During India Nets?Shubman Gill picked up the injury during India’s training session at the Greenfield International Stadium on Friday, September 25, just two days before India vs West Indies 1st ODI at the same venue.The Indian captain was hit on his right elbow by Mohammed Siraj while batting in the nets. Gill appeared to be in pain and left the session midway, immediately raising concerns over his availability for Sunday’s series opener.Also Read: Fact Check- Did Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill Engage In A Heated Exchange Before IND vs WI 1st ODI?Gill then stayed away from the nets for more than 30 minutes and had his injured elbow bandaged before leaving the training area. The incident briefly put his participation in the India vs West Indies 1st ODI in doubt.Relief For Team India As Shubman Gill Set To Play IND vs WI 1st ODI There was a big relief for Team India after Shubman Gill’s elbow injury scare ahead of the first ODI against West Indies. The Indian captain is now understood to be fine after the blow during Friday’s nets session.The official update came during India’s pre-match press conference, where batting coach Sitanshu Kotak spoke about Gill’s condition and provided a positive update on his availability for India vs West Indies 1st ODI in Thiruvananthapuram.Gill has also dealt with multiple injury concerns in the recent past, making this latest elbow scare another setback that would have worried the Indian camp. However, the latest update suggests he is available to lead India in 1st ODI of the three-match series.Also Read: Virat Kohli Confirms His Last Tournament For India
