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Shubman Gill’s Ranji Trophy absence sparks questions as Indian stars return to domestic cricket

India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has drawn attention for his absence from Punjab’s opening Ranji Trophy match against Assam, raising questions about his domestic commitments ahead of the team’s upcoming Test series in New Zealand. Gill, who recently led India to a 2-1 ODI series win over the West Indies, skipped the match in New Chandigarh but is expected to return for Punjab’s second fixture against Chhattisgarh from October 18–21.

The BCCI has emphasized that contracted players must prioritize domestic duties when not engaged internationally, a rule that applies to several Indian stars returning to the Ranji Trophy after recent international assignments. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of Delhi’s opener due to a back spasm and viral fever, though he is expected to recover in time for the New Zealand series.

Other key players like Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also participating in the tournament, with Jadeja representing Saurashtra, Rahul playing for Karnataka, and Jaiswal featuring for Bengal. Punjab’s team, led by former India U-19 captain Uday Saharan in Gill’s absence, includes players like Harnoor Singh and Umesh Yadav, while Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla confirmed Pant’s injury concerns.

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Shubman Gill to miss Punjab's Ranji Trophy season opener