According to recent reports linking Indian skipper Shubman Gill’s use of a water purifier worth INR 3 lakh to Indore’s ongoing water contamination crisis, has been clarified by a source close to the cricketer has clarified this. While Gill was reported to have arranged a RO alkaline water purifier ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand, those familiar with the matter have stressed that the decision was not influenced by the local health scare. Instead, it is part of Gill’s long-standing hydration
and recovery routine that he has followed for several months.
Indore, the venue for the third and final ODI of the India-New Zealand series, has recently been suffering from a serious water contamination issue. A diarrhoea outbreak linked to polluted water has reportedly claimed at least 15 lives in parts of the city, raising concerns over public health. Following this, reports stated that Gill arranged for a specialised water purifier worth around INR 3 lakh for the Indian team during their stay, triggering speculation that the decision was directly linked to the crisis.
However, according to a report by Abhishek Tripathi, a source close to Gill said that the Indian captain has been carrying RO alkaline water for recovery and hydration for the past six to seven months. He also said that Gill’s use of such water predates the Indore incident by a margin and is part of a fitness trend followed by elite athletes.
Indian team management not yet comments on the decision
The purifier, as reported, is capable of re-purifying even packaged or RO-treated water. While local reports noted that hotel staff had limited technical knowledge about the equipment, the Indian team management has not officially linked the decision to any immediate health threat.
Alongside water safety, the BCCI has also put strict dietary measures in place. A specialised chef has been assigned to the squad, with meals being closely monitored. The Indian skipper's own diet reportedly includes soup, lentils, raita, green vegetables, and boiled eggs.
Furthermore, senior batter Virat Kohli was spotted carrying his own water bottles ahead of the match. Kohli’s practice of travelling with preferred bottled water brands is well known and comes along with his disciplined fitness and hydration philosophy.
