Gill tests positive for dengue, doubtful for India’s World Cup opener against Australia

India batsman Shubman Gill is suffering from dengue fever and could miss the team's World Cup opener against Australia in Chennai on Sunday, according to coach Rahul Dravid.

"He is certainly feeling better today than he was yesterday, so that's a positive, but the medical team is monitoring him on a day-to-day basis, so we'll see," Dravid told reporters. "We've got 36 hours to go, so we'll see how that goes. We'll see whatever decision they take."

Pressed further on the batsman's availability for the big match, Dravid added: "The medical team hasn't ruled him out as yet. We'll see how he feels the day after tomorrow."

Dengue fever is a viral infection which is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.

Gill was key to India's recent success in the Asia Cup title win with the top-order batsman making a tournament-leading 302 runs. He also hit 104 against Australia last month as India took an unbeatable lead in a three-match series.

Ishan Kishan is expected to pushed up the batting order if Gill misses out in India's first match of the round-robin tournament that concludes on Nov.19.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, are favourites to win the title on home soil alongside defending champions England and five-time-winners Australia.

Agence France-Presse