Shubman Gill Set to Boost Punjab in 2025-26 Ranji Clash Against Saurashtra

India’s Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has opted not to take a break following the recent 50-over series defeat to New Zealand. Instead, he will participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match for Punjab against Saurashtra in Rajkot, beginning Thursday.

Gill, who played in all three ODIs in the recently concluded series which India lost 1-2, is making a swift return to red-ball cricket as he is not part of India’s T20 World Cup squad.

The 26-year-old is eager to support Punjab in their quest to keep their slim knockout hopes alive in the premier domestic competition.

“Shubman decided against taking any break after the ODI series and it took him eight hours to get to Rajkot from Indore due to the lack of direct flights,” a source close to the Punjab team told PTI.

Punjab currently stands sixth in Group B with 11 points from five matches.

With three league games remaining, the team, a former champion, needs outright victories in all of them to maintain a realistic shot at reaching the knockout stage.

Gill’s presence at the top of the order is viewed as vital for Punjab’s goals.

The match against Saurashtra, the reigning domestic heavyweight, will also be Gill’s first red-ball game since suffering a neck injury during the Test series against South Africa, which sidelined him from competitive cricket for an extended period.

His return is anticipated to significantly strengthen Punjab’s batting lineup, which has struggled with inconsistency this season.

Despite his increasing responsibilities at the international level, the Indian captain often emphasizes the importance of domestic cricket in maintaining form and match fitness.

Published on January 19, 2026.