Shubman Gill has been under intense scrutiny following a series of poor performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, leading to concerns about his form. Since June 2021, Gill has struggled in overseas conditions, averaging just 17.64 in 18 innings, which has raised questions about his readiness for the upcoming challenges. With India set to […]
Shubman Gill has been under intense scrutiny following a series of poor performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, leading to concerns about his form. Since June 2021, Gill has struggled in overseas conditions, averaging just 17.64 in 18 innings, which has raised questions about his readiness for the upcoming challenges. With India set to tour England for five Tests in the summer, his recent struggles have added further pressure.
Gill, however, has confirmed his availability for Punjab in their upcoming Ranji Trophy fixture against Karnataka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which begins on January 23. Although the squad has not been officially announced yet, Gill’s participation in this match provides him with an opportunity to regain form in domestic cricket, a crucial step before India’s next international assignment.
This also marks a chance for Gill to work under the guidance of Wasim Jaffer, the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy history, who is now the coach of Punjab. Jaffer’s mentorship could prove valuable as Gill aims to address his technical issues and improve his consistency. The timing of this return is particularly significant given the scrutiny surrounding Gill’s recent form in foreign conditions.
His return to the Ranji fold will bolster Punjab’s squad, which will be missing senior players Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh. Both players have been called up to the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against England. Gill’s presence in the domestic competition offers a crucial opportunity for him to sharpen his skills and contribute to Punjab’s campaign, while also preparing for future international duties.
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Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have emphasized the importance of top players making themselves available to represent their state teams during breaks in international commitments. Shubman Gill, who has been a subject of scrutiny for his recent performances, is one such player whose participation could be pivotal for both his personal form and his team’s ambitions. His return to domestic cricket comes at a time when Punjab’s chances of qualifying for the Ranji Trophy playoffs are hanging by a thread.
Gill endured a disappointing series in Australia, where he could only manage a highest score of 31 in five innings. This was after recovering from a finger injury that had kept him out of the opening match in Perth. His average of 18.60 for the series raised concerns, and his absence from India’s playing XI for the Boxing Day Test further highlighted his struggles. The team management, however, clarified that Gill’s omission was not a drop, but rather a case of unfortunate team combination, as India opted for two spin-bowling allrounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, in the lineup.
For Punjab, Gill’s return offers a critical opportunity to boost their chances in the Ranji Trophy. Currently sitting fifth in Group A with just one win from five games, their hopes of making it to the playoffs are slim. Gill’s experience and form could play a significant role in turning things around for the team, while also allowing him to regain his rhythm before India’s upcoming international commitments.
Rohit Sharma has joined Mumbai’s squad for their training sessions ahead of the second phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, which begins on January 23. The group, including Rohit, had a two-hour centre-wicket session at Wankhede Stadium, with further training scheduled throughout the week as they prepare for their sixth-round home fixture against Jammu and Kashmir. While his participation in the upcoming match remains uncertain, his decision to train with the team suggests there is a possibility he could be available for at least one of the remaining two fixtures. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is expected to announce the squad later this week.
Rohit’s return to domestic cricket follows a series of poor performances in Test cricket, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The India Test and ODI captain has faced significant scrutiny due to his form, averaging just 13.30 over ten innings during the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand in the 2023-24 season. His struggles continued in Australia, where he managed only 31 runs in five innings, leading to widespread debate about his future in the longest format of the game. Rohit’s involvement in the Ranji Trophy may serve as a bid to regain his form and confidence before the upcoming challenges for India.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently emphasized the importance of Test players participating in domestic cricket, particularly following India’s defeat in Australia and New Zealand. Gambhir acknowledged the poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stressing that it was too early to make long-term decisions about their red-ball futures. The focus, according to Gambhir, should be on allowing sufficient time for form and strategy to evolve naturally before making any conclusive plans ahead of the England series later this year.
Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, are well-positioned to make a return to the knockout stages. Currently sitting third in Group A with three wins from five matches, Mumbai is just a point behind second-placed Jammu and Kashmir. Their strong performance so far will likely see them push for a place in the playoffs as they aim to defend their title.
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