Shubman Gill has begun his preparations for the Ranji Trophy as he gears up to represent Punjab in their sixth-round clash against Karnataka. Ahead of his domestic assignment, Gill was seen sharpening his batting skills during a practice session at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, with his father, Lakhwinder Singh, watching from the sidelines.
A video that has gone viral on social media shows the 25-year-old confidently smashing the ball in the nets, earning praise from his coach for a powerful shot. The BCCI’s mandate requiring international players to participate in domestic tournaments has prompted several Indian team members, including Gill, to focus on the Ranji Trophy.
This marks Gill’s first appearance in the competition since 2022 when he played a quarter-final match against Madhya Pradesh in Alur. Shubman Gill’s recent form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was underwhelming. He missed the first Test against Australia due to a thumb injury but played the next three matches, accumulating only 93 runs at a modest average of 18.60, with a top score of 31.
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As India lost the series 3-1, the talented opener will aim to rediscover his rhythm in domestic cricket ahead of crucial international fixtures. With the ICC Champions Trophy set to begin in February, Gill will look to build confidence and form. Before the marquee event, India will host a white-ball series against England, including five T20Is and three ODIs.
My POV 😮💨 @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/KzisplBnHM
— Sebastian Shaji (@Sebashiyun) January 15, 2025
Shubman Gill, who last played an ODI against Sri Lanka in August 2024, is expected to feature in the one-day leg, India’s final series before the Champions Trophy.
Returning to the Ranji Trophy also offers Gill the opportunity to work with Punjab coach Wasim Jaffer, a domestic cricket legend and the all-time leading run-scorer in the tournament. Gill’s first-class career boasts impressive numbers: 4481 runs in 60 matches at an average of 47.16, including 13 centuries and 19 half-centuries.
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As Punjab prepares to take on Karnataka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on January 23, all eyes will be on Gill to deliver a standout performance and reclaim his status as one of India’s most dependable batters.
