Shubman Gill will feature in just two group stage matches for Punjab in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy as he looks to fine-tune his game ahead of India’s home match against New Zealand.
Gill will play Punjab’s fifth and sixth group matches against Sikkim on January 3 and Goa on January 6, with both matches scheduled in Jaipur. So far he has skipped the opening matches of the tournament.
This short home period is mainly intended to regain the white-ball rhythm after recovery from a neck injury and a subsequent setback. Gill has been training at the PCA Stadium in Mohali and feels ready for match action again.
Punjab have one win from their first two matches and Gill’s presence will be a boost, even if it is for a short period. His availability beyond these two matches remains uncertain due to national team commitments.
A source told Sportstar, “He will join the team in Jaipur for those two matches around January 1. While he is also interested in playing the final group match against Mumbai, it will all depend on the BCCI’s schedule for the camps.”
Gill’s limited participation follows a familiar pattern. Senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also had brief domestic appearances in recent times before heading to international series.
Despite being left out of the 2026 T20 World Cup squad, Gill’s position in Indian cricket remains strong. He continues to captain India in Tests and ODIs and is seen as a long-term leader heading into the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With his focus now firmly on the 50-over format, these Vijay Hazare matches are important for Gill to get back into the competitive rhythm before leading India against New Zealand.
Punjab fans will be hoping he makes his time count, even if it is just two games in the middle of a packed international calendar.
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