Punjab’s much-awaited match against Sikkim in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 saw a last-minute change as Shubman Gill was unable to take the field due to sudden illness on Saturday, January 3.
Why did Shubman Gill not play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim?
Shubman Gill’s return to the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 was delayed as India’s ODI and Test captain was ruled out of the group match against Sikkim due to sudden illness.
He reached Jaipur on Friday (January 2) and was set to play against Sikkim in their group match. However, the Punjab batsman’s health deteriorated late in the night.
According to team sources, the 24-year-old was suffering from food poisoning and was facing severe stomach discomfort and discomfort.
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After a medical examination and discussion with the team doctors, the Punjab cricket team management decided not to include Gill in the playing eleven against Sikkim as a precautionary measure.
Official statement from Punjab on Gill’s health
“Shubman arrived in Jaipur on Friday and was keen to play the game, but late at night he was not feeling well, so he was advised rest,” Sportstar quoted Punjab head coach Sandeep Sharma as saying.
Although Gill missed the match, another international star, Arshdeep Singh grabbed the opportunity with both hands, taking five wickets to help Punjab beat Sikkim by 10 wickets.
Notably, Shubman Gill was last seen in action for India during the recent ODI series against South Africa on home soil.
When will Shubman Gill return?
Well, Gill felt better the next morning but keeping in mind the busy international schedule, the Punjab team decided not to rush to get him back into action as he also has to lead India in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
The right-handed batsman will be available for Punjab’s next Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 match against Goa on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
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“He was better this morning, but keeping in mind the fact that there is a busy schedule, we decided to rest him. He will definitely be available for the next game,” the coach said.
India’s ODI team for New Zealand series will be announced on January 3
Meanwhile, India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand will be announced on Saturday. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia confirmed that the senior men’s selection committee will meet on Saturday to finalize and announce the squad.
“As you know, India is going to play a three-match ODI series with New Zealand from January 11 and today we have a meeting with the selectors and in the afternoon we are going to announce the team for the New Zealand series that will represent the country,” ANI quoted Saikia as saying.
The opening match of the upcoming India vs New Zealand series will be played on January 11 in Vadodara, marking the start of his first international assignment in ODI cricket in 2026. The second match is scheduled for January 14, followed by the final ODI on January 19 in Rajkot and Indore respectively.
