In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the Indian team faced a crushing 3-1 defeat against Australia, and several players, including experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, were criticized. Young batsman Shubman Gill also came under scrutiny for his performance. It was pointed out that these players had not been playing domestic cricket for years. However, now Shubman Gill is set to return to the Ranji Trophy after a two-year gap.
Gill struggled in the Test series against Australia, failing to perform up to expectations. He missed the first Test due to injury, and his performances in the second and third Tests were disappointing. In the fourth Test, he was dropped from the playing eleven by captain Rohit Sharma. Gill managed only 93 runs in five innings. Now, with his poor form, Gill has confirmed his availability to play in the Ranji Trophy, marking his return to domestic cricket.
Shubman Gill to Play in Ranji Trophy for Punjab
Shubman Gill will be seen playing for the Punjab team in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match between Punjab and Karnataka on January 23. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Shubman Gill has confirmed his availability for Punjab in the sixth-round Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka. A Punjab Cricket Association official confirmed his participation, stating, “Yes, Shubman Gill is available for the Ranji match against Karnataka.” However, The final squad for Punjab has not been announced yet. Gill has struggled with his form outside Asia, with an average of just 17.64 in 18 innings since June 2021. Playing in the Ranji Trophy could help him regain his rhythm and confidence by scoring runs.
SHUBMAN GILL IN RANJI TROPHY
– Shubman Gill is likely to play Ranji Trophy for Punjab this season. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/ea7agiqrJQ
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 14, 2025
Last Ranji Trophy Match for Punjab in 2022
Shubman Gill last played for Punjab in the 2022 Ranji Trophy, facing Madhya Pradesh in the quarter-finals in Alur. Following India’s 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar urged top players to make themselves available for their respective state teams in domestic cricket.
Rested from India-England T20 Series
The young star has been rested from the India-England T20 series to allow him time to prepare for the Champions Trophy. His participation in the Ranji Trophy, however, is viewed as a positive step towards re-establishing the importance of domestic cricket.
Shubman Gill’s Record in Ranji Trophy
Gill has played 12 Ranji Trophy matches, accumulating 1,176 runs from 21 innings, with an impressive average of 65.33. His Ranji career includes 4 centuries and 5 half-centuries.
Shubman Gill’s Career Overview
Shubman Gill made his Test debut for India in 2020. Since then, he has scored 1,893 runs in 32 Test matches, including 5 centuries and 7 half-centuries. He has accumulated 2,328 runs in 47 ODIs and 578 runs in 21 T20 Internationals for India.