Team India opener Shubman Gill’s comeback to competitive action has been pushed back after he suffered from food poisoning, which ruled him out of Punjab’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 group-stage match against Sikkim. The fixture was scheduled to be played in Jaipur on Saturday, January 3, and Gill had linked up with the domestic side ahead of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Gill last featured for India in the third T20I against South Africa in Dharamshala on December 14. He later picked up a foot injury during net practice ahead of the fourth game in Lucknow, a setback that also saw him miss out on selection for the 2026 T20 World Cup. After recovering, the right-hander had been putting in extensive work in the nets and was expected to turn out for Punjab in a closed-door match.
However, Gill did not make the playing XI, with Prabhsimran Singh and Harnoor Singh opening the batting. As per a Sportstar report, the 24-year-old was sidelined due to illness.
“BREAKING: Shubman Gill’s return to domestic cricket has been delayed. According to team sources, he had to sit out of the Punjab vs Sikkim Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture due to food poisoning,” the report stated.
Shubman Gill was slated to feature in two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches ahead of India’s ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11. Punjab are set to take on Goa next on January 6, with Gill’s availability for the fixture dependent on how quickly he recovers.
Despite his absence, Punjab have not felt the impact, having skittled Sikkim for a modest 75 in 22.2 overs after choosing to field first. Returning to domestic action, pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh delivered an outstanding performance, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul.
Gill to captain India in first home ODI vs NZ
With India’s home season still some time away, Shubman Gill is widely expected to captain the side in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The assignment would be his first stint leading India at home in white-ball cricket since taking over the role.
Gill’s maiden ODI series as captain ended in a 1–2 loss in Australia, while an injury ruled him out of India’s three-match home ODI series against South Africa in November–December.
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