Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Why Shubman Gill Will Miss Punjab’s Ranji Trophy Opener
Shubman Gill will not play in Punjab’s first Ranji Trophy game against Assam.
Punjab will instead be led by Uday Saharan.
The team has not officially said why Gill is missing the match.
Gill might play Punjab’s next game against Chhattisgarh, which starts on October 18, but that is not confirmed.
He is expected to play in the first three one-day matches on India’s tour of New Zealand.
Playing in the Ranji Trophy could help him get ready for those international matches.
For now, Punjab will start its campaign without him.
India captain Shubman Gill will miss Punjab’s opening Ranji Trophy match against Assam in New Chandigarh.
Punjab will be led by former India Under-19 captain Uday Saharan in Gill’s absence.
No official reason has been given for Gill missing the opener.
Gill could return for Punjab’s match against Chhattisgarh, scheduled for October 18–21, but his availability is uncertain.
Gill is expected to play the first three ODIs on India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand; a Ranji appearance could provide match practice beforehand.
- Who
- Shubman Gill and Punjab; Uday Saharan will captain Punjab in the opener.
- What
- Gill will miss Punjab’s opening Ranji Trophy match against Assam.
- When
- The opener is the start of Punjab’s Ranji Trophy campaign; Gill’s possible return is for the match against Chhattisgarh, scheduled for October 18–21.
- Where
- The Assam match is in New Chandigarh.
- Why
- No official reason for Gill’s absence has been announced.
Ranji Trophy match practice
International schedule and availability
Gill’s potential participation
Ranji Trophy match practice
A Ranji Trophy appearance could give Gill valuable time in the middle and help him build rhythm before international cricket.
International schedule and availability
His participation in Punjab’s match against Chhattisgarh is unconfirmed and could depend on his plans ahead of India’s upcoming assignments.
- Opening opponent
- Assam
- Opening match venue
- New Chandigarh
- Punjab captain for opener
- Uday Saharan
- Possible next match
- Against Chhattisgarh, October 18–21
- Reason for Gill’s absence
- No official update has been provided
- Expected international assignment
- The first three ODIs on India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand