India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh are set to return to domestic cricket as they will play for Punjab in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 season. Punjab will face Sikkim and Goa in Jaipur, marking an important comeback for both players in the 50-over format.
Gill and Arshdeep Confirmed for Punjab Matches in Jaipur
Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh have confirmed their availability for Punjab’s next two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. The games will be played in Jaipur, with Punjab taking on Sikkim first, followed by a clash against Goa a few days later.
Gill had already informed the Punjab Cricket Association about his plans to feature in the tournament. A PCA official also confirmed that Gill is keen to play domestic cricket before returning to international duties.
Why This Tournament Is Important for Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill was not selected in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Despite being part of the T20I setup earlier, Gill struggled for consistency in the shortest format over the last year.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy now gives him a strong platform to focus on his preferred 50-over game, especially with important ODI assignments coming up.
Shubman Gill’s Recent T20I Numbers
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 15 | 291 | 24.25 | 47 |
Gill failed to score a half-century during this phase, which played a role in his omission from the T20 World Cup squad.
Read Also: Shubman Gill to Play Two Vijay Hazare Trophy Matches
Punjab Matches Shubman Gill Will Play
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab vs Sikkim | January 3 | Jaipur |
| Punjab vs Goa | January 6 | Jaipur |
These matches will allow Gill to regain rhythm before joining the Indian ODI squad.
What’s Next for Gill After VHT?
After completing his Vijay Hazare Trophy duties, Shubman Gill will travel to Vadodara to join the Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand. The three-match series will start on January 11 and conclude on January 18 in Indore.
Gill has also expressed interest in playing the remaining Ranji Trophy matches for Punjab, showing his commitment to domestic cricket.
Arshdeep Singh’s Domestic Return
For Arshdeep Singh, the Vijay Hazare Trophy is a chance to sharpen his skills in the 50-over format. His experience and left-arm pace will be crucial for Punjab as the team pushes for strong results in the tournament.
The return of two senior Indian players is a massive boost for Punjab’s squad. Gill’s calm batting at the top and Arshdeep’s new-ball bowling can make a big difference in high-pressure matches.
With both players eager to perform, Punjab fans will be watching closely as their stars return to domestic action.
