Giving a big boost to their campaign, Indian batting star Shubman Gill is set to return to action for Punjab in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage matches. His return comes at a crucial juncture as Punjab aim to seal a place in the knockouts of India’s premier domestic one-day competition.
Shubman Gill returns to bolster Punjab for key Vijay Hazare Trophy matches
Shubman Gill has confirmed his availability for Punjab’s upcoming group matches against Sikkim and Goa in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, scheduled to be held on January 3 and January 6 respectively.
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India’s Test and ODI captain is expected to join the Punjab squad in Jaipur around the New Year, giving the team a big boost after their strong start to the competition.
Punjab’s campaign gets timely boost
Punjab have made a strong start to their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 campaign by winning their opening two matches against Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Gill’s inclusion marks a massive upgrade to their top order as they will need to win every match to qualify from the elite group.
The presence of the right-handed batsman is expected to add significant firepower and experience to the batting lineup. There is also a hope that Shubman Gill can also play Punjab’s final group match against Mumbai, but it depends on the approval of BCCI.
“He will join the squad in Jaipur around January 1 for those two matches. While he is also interested in playing the final group league match against Mumbai, it will all depend on the BCCI’s schedule for camps before the home series against New Zealand,” Sportstar quoted Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) as saying.
Withdrawal schedule and national duty conflicts
Shubman Gill will have to manage his return to Punjab duty as he is all set to lead India in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. The national team is likely to hold a short preparation camp, possibly in Vadodara, a few days before the New Zealand series.
Also read: Virat Kohli took a sudden break from cricket amid Vijay Hazare Trophy.
If that camp overlaps, Gill may have to miss Punjab’s Vijay Hazare match against Mumbai to attend national duty. Therefore, at present his place is confirmed only for the matches against Sikkim and Goa. His third appearance depends on the preparation camp, as Gill may need to depart early.
comeback from injury
Due to injury problems, Gill has been away from competitive cricket for some time. He was recovering from an injury to his right foot and missed the final T20 match against South Africa and the second Test in Guwahati last month due to a neck problem.
During this recovery phase, the right-handed batsman stayed in Mohali and focused on training rather than returning to matches in the ongoing 50-over tournament.
The big picture: stars in domestic cricket
Gill’s decision to make a comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy comes after the BCCI made it mandatory for all contracted players to participate in domestic tournaments if they are fit and free from national duty.
As the group stage continues, the Punjab team management will be keen to take advantage of Gill’s proven white-ball pedigree. Earlier, international stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Rinku Singh made headlines with their stellar performances for their respective teams.
