Shubman Gill Vijay Hazare Trophy absence explained
Punjab’s Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Sikkim in Jaipur was expected to mark the return of India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill to competitive cricket. However, fans were left surprised when Gill was missing from the playing XI on match day. So let’s know about Shubman Gill Vijay Hazare Trophy absence.
The Round 5 fixture at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground on Saturday had generated buzz, especially as Gill had already joined the Punjab squad in Jaipur and was tipped to make his comeback after a brief injury layoff.
Shubman Gill’s Comeback Plans Hit a Roadblock
Gill’s return was keenly anticipated after he missed recent matches due to a toe injury sustained during the T20I series against South Africa. With his recovery progressing well, the Punjab vs Sikkim game was seen as an ideal opportunity for the star batter to regain match rhythm.
However, things did not go as planned.
Why Shubman Gill Didn’t Play vs Sikkim
When Punjab announced their playing XI, Gill’s absence raised eyebrows—especially since promotional material released by the Punjab Cricket Association shortly before the match prominently featured him.
Later, team sources confirmed that Shubman Gill was ruled out due to food poisoning, which left him unfit to take the field. As a precautionary measure, the team management decided to rest him to avoid aggravating his condition.
Arshdeep Singh Steps Up for Punjab
While Gill sat out, Arshdeep Singh made his presence felt in style. The left-arm pacer arrived in Jaipur on Friday and was named in the starting XI.
After Punjab won the toss and opted to bowl first, Arshdeep produced a sensational spell, picking up five wickets in his 10 overs. He set the tone early with two wickets in his opening four-over burst.
Sikkim struggled throughout their innings and were eventually bowled out for just 75 runs in 22.2 overs. Sukhdeep Bajwa and Mayank Markande provided solid support, claiming two wickets each.
Punjab vs Sikkim Match Played Behind Closed Doors
The Vijay Hazare Trophy match was conducted without public entry, continuing a recent trend in domestic cricket. Spectators were not allowed inside the venue due to security-related restrictions.
A PTI report quoted a BCCI source stating that only students and staff of the institution hosting the match were permitted entry. Private security personnel were deployed, while access for the general public remained restricted.
Similar arrangements were previously seen when Virat Kohli featured in Vijay Hazare Trophy matches under closed-door conditions.
When Will Shubman Gill Return to Action?
Punjab’s next Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture is scheduled against Goa on January 6. If Gill recovers fully from his illness, he is expected to return for that match.
FAQs
Why did Shubman Gill miss the Punjab vs Sikkim match?
Shubman Gill was ruled out due to food poisoning, which left him unfit to play.
Was Shubman Gill injured again?
No, his absence was not injury-related. It was purely due to illness.
Will Shubman Gill play Punjab’s next Vijay Hazare Trophy match?
Gill is likely to return for Punjab’s next match against Goa on January 6, subject to recovery.
Who starred for Punjab in Gill’s absence?
Arshdeep Singh delivered a match-winning performance, taking a five-wicket haul against Sikkim.
Why was the match played without spectators?
The game was held behind closed doors due to security constraints at the venue.
DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP
