Following Team India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, particularly their failures against spin on home soil and their inability to cope with pace and bounce in Australia, there has been a significant increase in calls for players to participate in domestic cricket. With consecutive losses to New Zealand (0-3) and Australia (1-3), the scrutiny over the team’s neglect of domestic cricket has grown louder.
In response to the growing concerns, one of India’s star batters, Shubman Gill, has decided to take part in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. According to reports from Hindustan Times, Gill has made himself available for Punjab’s fixture against Karnataka, which will take place on January 23, as the tournament resumes.
Punjab is currently in second place in Group C, having won six out of their seven matches so far, just behind Karnataka, who share the same number of wins. “Yes, Shubman Gill is available for Punjab’s Ranji match against Karnataka on January 23,” a source within the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) confirmed to Hindustan Times.
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It’s worth noting that Gill has played only one red-ball domestic match in the past four years. His last Ranji appearance was in 2022, during a quarterfinal clash against Madhya Pradesh in Bengaluru. This was also the same year he made his Test debut for India, with his first Test match being the Boxing Day game against Australia in 2022.
Shubman gill is set for his Ranji Trophy, returning after two years.
The last time Shubman Gill featured in a Ranji Trophy game was in 2022 against Madhya Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/3c89mbyOI7— Naman Sharma (@YourNaman) January 14, 2025
Since then, this quarterfinal has been his only appearance in domestic red-ball cricket. Meanwhile, after his disappointing performance in the Sydney Test against Australia, where he stood down due to poor form, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has opted to attend practice sessions with Mumbai.
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Although his participation in Mumbai’s upcoming Ranji Trophy matches has not been confirmed yet, it shows his commitment to improving his form and contributing to domestic cricket as part of his preparation for upcoming international duties.