Shubman Gill was expected to play his first competitive game today since sustaining a toe injury during the T20I series against South Africa. He had also reached Jaipur for the Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Sikkim in Jaipur. But India's Test and ODI captain has gone missing from the playing XI, leaving the fans shocked. Interestingly, even around 90 minutes before the match, the Punjab Cricket Association also used Shubman Gill's poster to post about their upcoming match on X.
The reason for Gill not playing in today's Vijay Hazare Trophy clash is not clear at the moment, but it seems that he will attend the selection meeting for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. For the unversed, India's squad is expected to be announced today and according to reports, the selectors are set to meet online for the same reason and Gill is likely to attend the meeting.
Moreover, Gill's pictures with the Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland also went viral on Friday, sparking speculations if he is out of India and is yet to join Punjab's squad.
Several users on X are also claiming that his flight was delayed and hence couldn't reach for the match against Sikkim on time. Moreover, there is also a report claiming that Gill is not playing as he suffered from food poisoning before the match.
Arshdeep Singh turns up for Punjab
Meanwhile, amid confusion around Shubman Gill's absence, Arshdeep Singh has turned up to feature for Punjab in the game against Sikkim. The left-arm fast bowler has also picked up two wickets in his four-over opening spell as the opposition is already reeling after Punjab won the toss and opted to field.
It remains to be seen if Arshdeep Singh will be selected for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, that is starting from January 11. Meanwhile, fans will be hoping for Shubman Gill to feature in Punjab's next game against Goa on January 6.
Punjab Playing XI: Prabhsimran Singh (C & WK), Harnoor Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, Naman Dhir, Ramandeep Singh, Krish Bhagat, Sukhdeep Bajwa, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Uday Saharan, Mayank Markande
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