The world of cricket is often a rollercoaster of emotions, and for Shubman Gill, the ride has taken a sharp downward turn. Once hailed as the heir apparent to Indian cricket's legacy, Gill is currently facing one of the toughest phases of his young career. The recent ODI series loss against New Zealand on home soil has not only bruised his captaincy record but has also raised questions about his consistency as a top-order batter. In a bid to silence his critics and rediscover his rhythm, Gill has decided to return to the grind of domestic cricket.
Starting 2026 as the ODI and Test captain, Gill had high hopes. The series against New Zealand began on a positive note with a victory, but the subsequent two losses were a reality check. For the first time in history, India lost a bilateral series to the Kiwis at home. This defeat is a stain that Gill will find hard to erase. The pressure of leading the side while maintaining personal form seems to have taken a toll on the young. Punjab batter, leading to a dip in his performance that has now cost him his spot in the T20 setup.
Exclusion from the T20 World Cup
In a shocking turn of events, Shubman Gill has been excluded from the Indian T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. More importantly, he isn't part of the plans for the T20 World Cup scheduled for February and March. This exclusion is a clear signal from the selectors that. Reputation alone won't guarantee a spot in the playing XI. For a player who was once considered an all-format regular, being sidelined during a World Cup year is a bitter pill to swallow.
Back to the Roots: Ranji Trophy
With no international commitments in the immediate future, Gill has chosen to go back to where it all started. He has left Indore and is traveling to Rajkot via Delhi to join the Punjab Ranji team. On January 22, Punjab will face Saurashtra in a high-stakes encounter. This move is seen as a strategic step to spend time in the middle,. Face the red ball, and build the long innings that he's known for. The Ranji Trophy provides the perfect platform for Gill to work. On his technique away from the intense glare of international media.
A Clash of Titans in Rajkot
The upcoming match between Punjab and Saurashtra is set to be a star-studded affair. While Gill will be the mainstay for Punjab, Saurashtra will be bolstered by the presence of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja, like Gill, is heading straight to the Ranji Trophy after the conclusion of the ODI series. The battle between Gill’s batting and Jadeja’s spin will be the highlight of the match. Under the captaincy of Naman Dhir, Punjab will look to Gill to provide the much-needed stability at the top of the order.
The Long Road to IPL 2026
With the T20 World Cup out of his reach, Gill’s next big assignment will be the Indian Premier League (IPL) in late March. He will once again lead the Gujarat Titans, and his performance there will be crucial for his future in the national team. However, the road to IPL success begins in the dusty outfields of Rajkot. Having failed to make an impact in his lone Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance recently, Gill knows that he can't afford another failure. These Ranji matches aren't just about runs; they're about reclaiming his identity as India’s premier batsman.