India’s T20 World Cup group stage wrapped up on Saturday with their final match against Canada abandoned due to a wet outfield in Lauderhill, Florida. Despite the washout, India secured top spot in Group A with seven points from three completed matches.

Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan released from the Indian squad

As the team prepares to travel to the Caribbean for the Super 8 stage, two members of the initial four-man reserve contingent, Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan, have been released from the squad and will return to India. This move aligns with the pre-tournament plan, according to batting coach Vikram Rathour, who addressed rumours suggesting disciplinary reasons for Gill’s departure.

Several media houses reported off Gill being sent back to India as he was spotted making rounds on the streets of New York and Lauderhill, irrespective of the Indian contingent practicing in the nets and sweating it out in the gym.

However, these reports are false and Rathour has cleared the air.

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Vikram Rathour clarifies rumours of disciplinary action on Shubman Gill

“This was always the plan,” Rathour stated at a press conference. “Four reserve players would accompany the team to the US, and then two would return home after the group stage. This was decided before the tournament even began.”

While acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on match practice before the Super 8 stage, Rathour emphasized the safety aspect of the decision. “We would have loved to play,” he admitted, “but the risk of injuries due to the wet outfield couldn’t be ignored, especially heading into the crucial Super 8 matches.”

Rohit Sharma’s Team India finds themselves in Group 1 of the Super 8 stage and will face Afghanistan in their opening match on Thursday, June 20th, in Barbados. The team will be bolstered by the remaining two reserve players, Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed.

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