Shubman Gill to Play Ranji Trophy for Punjab After New Zealand Tour
India’s star batter Shubman Gill will return to first-class cricket after a year-long gap, playing for Punjab in their upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra starting January 24 in Mohali.
Key Details
- Match: Punjab vs Saurashtra, Ranji Trophy 2024-25
- Venue: Mohali
- Date: From January 24
- Last First-Class Game: March 2023 (scored century vs Australia)
Immediate Context: Coming from NZ ODI Series
Gill was part of the Indian ODI squad that lost the series 2-0 in New Zealand. He featured in the second ODI in Hamilton, scoring 16 runs before being dismissed by Adam Milne, and was rested for the final match.
Why This Return Matters
Gill’s return to red-ball cricket is significant for multiple reasons:
He last played a first-class match during India’s fourth Test against Australia in Ahmedabad in March 2023, where he scored a century. Since then, he has been exclusively part of India’s white-ball setups.
This Ranji Trophy appearance provides crucial match practice ahead of India’s next Test series, scheduled against Bangladesh at home later this year.
Team Standings and Match Outlook
Punjab, placed in Elite Group A, has had a mixed season with one win, one loss, and two draws. Gill’s inclusion is expected to strengthen their batting as they aim to move up the table.
Their opponents, Saurashtra, are a strong side currently second in the group under captain Jaydev Unadkat, with two wins and two draws. The fixture promises a competitive clash between two quality teams.
Gill’s decision to play domestic cricket is viewed as a positive step for his Test career readiness, offering valuable time in the middle with the red ball.
