Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Shubman Gill to play for Punjab before the NZ series

Shubman Gill is set to return to cricket for Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled for January 3 and 6. It will be vital for his confidence ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand.

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill will be seen opening the batting for Punjab in Vijay Hazare Trophy. Image | X

In a major development for Punjab and the Indian national side, Shubman Gill is set to return to competitive action in the first week of January. The star opener, who currently holds the mantle of India’s Test and ODI captain has confirmed his availability for Punjab’s upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy group league fixtures against Sikkim and Goa.

Gill to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Gill's return comes at a crucial juncture. After being unceremoniously dropped from the T20 World Cup squad following a lean patch in the shortest format, the 26-year-old has been battling a string of fitness concerns.

An impact injury to his right foot and a nagging neck sprain, the latter of which ruled him out of the second Test against South Africa in November, kept him on the sidelines for several weeks.

According to Sportstar Gill is expected to link up with the squad in Jaipur around January 1. Punjab has enjoyed a stellar start to their 50-over campaign, winning their opening two encounters against Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

"He has assured us of his availability for the two games in the first week of January," a PCA official confirmed to Sportstar. "His interest in playing the final group game against Mumbai is high, but that remains contingent on the national team's schedule."

Read also: Vijay Hazare Trophy: When will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play their next match?

Gill will get ready for NZ series

While the team has found success in his absence, the addition of a world-class anchor like Gill is expected to provide an immense psychological and tactical boost. He is slated to feature in the matches on January 3 and January 6.

The timing of Gill’s domestic return is strategically vital. India is set to host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series beginning on January 11 in Vadodara.

With the BCCI’s mandate requiring all fit international players to feature in domestic tournaments when not on national duty, these two List A games will serve as the perfect "match-fitness" test for the skipper.

Should the BCCI call for a preparatory camp in Vadodara prior to the first ODI, Gill may have to forgo Punjab’s high-octane clash against Mumbai.

However, the chance to find his rhythm against Sikkim and Goa will be paramount to ensuring he isn't "rusty" when leading the national side against the Black Caps.

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The Indian Test and ODI captain was dropped from T20 World Cup squad

For Gill, the 2025-26 domestic season represents a chance for redemption. Despite his elevation to the Test and ODI captaincy earlier this year, signaling a major transition after Rohit Sharma stepped down, his exclusion from the T20 World Cup setup was a stark reminder of the intense competition for places.

While his opening partner Abhishek Sharma has already made his mark in the tournament-opener, all eyes will now be on Gill.

If he can translate his recent training form in Mohali into runs on the Jaipur tracks, it will quiet the critics and solidify his status as the premier anchor of India's white-ball future.

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