Captain Shubman Gill makes BIG move after India’s ODI series loss against New Zealand, decides to…

India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, has decided not to take a break after India’s recent 50-over series loss to New Zealand. He will play Punjab’s next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra in Rajkot, starting Thursday.

What has Shubman Gill chosen

Shubman Gill, who played all three ODIs in the series that India lost 1-2, has chosen to return to red-ball cricket immediately since he is not in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The 26-year-old is eager to help Punjab maintain their slim chances of reaching the knockout stage in the country’s top domestic tournament.

Where is the statement?

“Shubman decided against taking any break post ODI series and it took him eight hours to reach Rajkot from Indore as there aren’t any direct flights, available,” a source close to the Punjab team told PTI.

Punjab are currently sixth in Group B, with 11 points from five matches. With three games left in the league, the former champions will need to win all their remaining matches to have any real chance of reaching the knockout stage.

How important will Shubman Gill’s role be in the Ranji Trophy?

Shubman Gill’s role at the top of the batting order is therefore seen as key to Punjab’s hopes. Their match against Saurashtra, the current domestic champions, will also be Shubman Gill’s first red-ball game since he injured his neck during the Test series against South Africa, which kept him out of cricket for a long time.

What will be expected from Shubman Gill?

Shubman Gill’s comeback is expected to strengthen Punjab’s batting, which has been inconsistent this season. Despite his growing duties with the national team, Gill has often emphasised that playing domestic cricket is important to stay in form and maintain match fitness.