Photo via India Today

Shubman Gill to miss Punjab's Ranji Trophy season opener

India’s Test captain Shubman Gill will sit out Punjab’s Ranji Trophy opener against Assam, with his return possible for the team’s second match against Chhattisgarh from October 18. The absence leaves former India Under-19 leader Uday Saharan in charge for the first game, as Gill focuses on limited opportunities to prepare for red-ball cricket amid a packed international schedule.

Punjab’s campaign begins in New Chandigarh, though the exact venue for the opener was not specified in reports. Gill’s potential return would align with India’s push for domestic match exposure ahead of their November tour of New Zealand, where he is expected to feature in the opening ODIs before the Test series begins.

With India currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings, red-ball practice becomes critical for players like Gill as they gear up for upcoming assignments, including a five-Test series against Australia at home in early 2027.

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