Shubman Gill returns to Ranji fold, eyes red-ball practice ahead of New Zealand Tests

Mumbai: India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will be the cynosure of all eyes when he returns to Ranji Trophy action for Punjab against Chhattisgarh at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh on Sunday.Gill missed Punjab’s opening game. He was in outstanding form during India’s 2-1 ODI series win over West Indies at home, scoring 334 runs at an average of 167.“Gill arrived in Chandigarh yesterday and will play the match. He is keen to get some red-ball practice before the tour of New Zealand, where he will miss the last two ODIs to prepare for the Tests,” a source told TOI.Delhi face GujaratDelhi, under pressure after a nine-wicket defeat to Bengal in their opener, will host Gujarat in their second Elite Group C match.Gujarat began with a 10-wicket win over Odisha and will look to build on that start. Vedant Trivedi scored a century in the opening game, while opener Aarya Desai made 94 and 37 not out. Wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel also impressed with 60.Meanwhile, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who took five wickets in Bengal’s win over Delhi at Kalyani, will look to put the disappointment of being left out of India’s Test squad for New Zealand behind him when Bengal face Services at the Palam Ground in Delhi.Shedge poses selection call for Mumbai against HimachalMumbai, already jolted by the loss of opener and new vice-captain Ayush Mhatre to a recurring hamstring injury, have been strengthened by the arrival of Suryansh Shedge for their second Ranji Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh at the Luhnu Cricket Ground in Bilaspur.Shedge recently impressed for India A in the one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.