Shubman Gill has a hit at the nets.
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
As the Punjab team reached the Rajasthan Cricket Academy ground on a cold Monday morning, a handful of fans waited patiently to catch a glimpse of Shubman Gill.
He waved at them, and even clicked a few pictures before being engaged in a game of foot volley with his teammates. Having missed out on Punjab’s last Vijay Hazare Trophy group fixture against Sikkim due to illness, Gill could be heard cracking a few jokes with his teammates.
Staying atop Elite Group C, with 16 points from five matches, Punjab can seal the knockout spot by winning both of its remaining games. Even a victory should be enough to take it to the quarterfinals though the net run rate could come in to play in case of a three-way tie.
When Punjab takes on Goa on Tuesday, the batting department will be bolstered by the presence of Gill.
While Prabhsimran Singh is likely to continue as captain, it will be a perfect preparation for Gill, leading up to the ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on Sunday.
“When we were young, we learnt a lot, playing with Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh. Similarly, being India’s Test and ODI captain, Shubman will inspire the youngsters,” Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Gill’s mentor and the Punjab Cricket Association’s coaching director, told The Hindu.
“He makes it a point to talk to each and every player, and make them comfortable. He is very involved in the whole process,” said Gurkeerat.
He also said that Gill, having been dropped from India’s T20 World Cup squad, has moved on. “It’s quite natural to be disappointed, but he knows that it’s part of the journey. He has taken it in his stride and is working hard. He had long sessions recently, and he hopes to make the most of the opportunities that come his way”.
Published – January 05, 2026 06:07 pm IST