India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill was scheduled to feature for Punjab in their Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 against Sikkim. However, when the playing eleven was announced against Sikkim on January 3rd, all the fans were surprised to see that Shubman Gill's name was missing, even though the BCCI had made all the arrangements for him to play.
Notably, considering the possibility of Gill playing in this match, the BCCI had decided to close the stadium to spectators, meaning the match was to be played behind closed doors.
Sports Tak understands that Gill has missed the clash due to food poisoning and the stylish batter is currently in Jaipur at the team hotel.
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Shubman Gill dropped from India's T20 squad
Shubman Gill has been dropped from the T20 squad. Despite being given multiple opportunities in T20 internationals, Gill was unable to make a strong impact, and as a result, he has been left out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad, which is scheduled to start from February in India and Sri Lanka.
Shubman Gill's neck injury
Shubman Gill, who got a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa, missed the second Test and ODI series. In his absence, wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul led the side where India registered a 2-1 series win.
Shubman Gill's upcoming international assignment
Shubman Gill will now be seen leading India in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to start from January 11. Apart from Gill, ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who got injured in Australia while taking a catch in Sydney, will also be part of India's squad, but his availability for the fifty over series will be subject to fitness.
Punjab vs Sikkim Playing XIs
Sikkim (Playing XI): Amit Rajera, Ashish Thapa(w), Kranthi Kumar, Pranesh Chettri, Gurinder Singh, Palzor Tamang, Lee Yong Lepcha(c), Ankur Malik, Md Saptulla, Rahul Kumar Prasad, Abishek Kumar
Punjab (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh(w/c), Harnoor Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, Naman Dhir, Ramandeep Singh, Krish Bhagat, Sukhdeep Bajwa, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Uday Saharan, Mayank Markande