Shubman Gill Confirms His Availability For Punjab Squad Ahead Of Ranji Trophy

January 14, 2025: Shubman Gill has confirmed that he will be available for Punjab's upcoming Ranji Trophy sixth-round fixture against Karnataka, starting January 23 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. His return is a significant boost for the team, as Punjab's squad has not been officially announced yet, but his inclusion is expected to strengthen their chances.

This marks a crucial moment for Gill, who has faced scrutiny over his performances abroad since June 2021, where he has averaged only 17.64 in 18 innings outside of Asia. His participation in the Ranji Trophy provides an opportunity for him to work with Wasim Jaffer, the head coach of Punjab and the all-time leading run-scorer in Ranji Trophy history. This move is seen as part of the broader strategy to keep national players match-ready, especially in light of India's recent struggles in overseas Test series, such as their 3-1 loss to Australia.

While Punjab will be missing key players like Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh, who are selected for India's T20I series against England, Gill's inclusion is expected to fill the void. He last played for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals in 2022. His return aligns with the Indian team management's push for national players to participate in first-class cricket during breaks from international duty.

For Punjab, this season has been challenging. They are currently fifth in Group A, with only one win from five matches, leaving their hopes of reaching the playoffs hanging by a thread. Gill's form and leadership could provide the spark Punjab needs to turn their campaign around.