India’s star top-order batters, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, had disappointing starts in their respective Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounters, departing cheaply in the first innings. Playing against Karnataka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Punjab captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for just four runs off eight deliveries.

Similarly, Yashasvi Jaiswal also managed only four runs in Mumbai’s clash against Jammu & Kashmir, falling to Auqib Nabi in the third over of Day 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal was a pivotal moment in Mumbai’s innings. Trapped lbw by Nabi, he became the first of many top-order batters to fall in a dramatic collapse.
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With Nabi running riot, stars like Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shivam Dube also struggled. He claimed four of the first six wickets, leaving the defending champions reeling in the opening session. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s dismissal came in a similar fashion, as pacer Abhilash Shetty bowled him on the second ball of the fourth over. His departure triggered a complete batting collapse for Punjab, who were bundled out for just 55 runs in 29 overs—a performance far below their usual standards.
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These early dismissals serve as a wake-up call for the two quality batters. Their struggles highlight the importance of First-Class cricket as a platform to grind out runs and prepare for international assignments. With the England ODI series and the Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, both players will need to use domestic cricket to fine-tune their skills and regain confidence.
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While Jaiswal is seen as the backup opener for India’s upcoming campaigns, Gill, who has been named vice-captain, carries even greater responsibility. Both batters will look to bounce back in the second innings of their ongoing Ranji matches to make a strong statement and regain momentum ahead of India’s crucial international fixtures.