Punjab's Gill out for just one run in early innings against Chhattisgarh

New Chandigarh, 18 October — In the elite‑group B Ranji Trophy encounter at the new PCA Stadium, Punjab’s star opener Shubman Gill survived only five balls, scoring a single before being clean‑bowled by left‑arm spinner Ajay Mandal. Gill replaced Vihang Malhotra, who had been dismissed LBW by Dharmendra Singh Jadeja, and fell on the third ball of the 27th over when a straight delivery slid between his bat and pad and struck the middle stump.

The 27‑year‑old had not featured in Punjab’s season‑opening match against Assam, opting instead to use the Chhattisgarh game as a practice venue ahead of India’s New Zealand tour. While he is not in the current India T20 squad, Gill is part of the larger touring contingent that will contest five Twenty‑20s, five One‑Day Internationals and two Test matches.

Team officials have clarified that Gill will play in the first three ODIs of the New Zealand series but will sit out the final two fixtures to focus on the two‑Test series scheduled for Christchurch and Wellington. The approach aims to keep the batting lineup sharp for the World Test Championship final chase and the lead‑up to the 2027 World Cup.

Fast‑bowler Mohammed Shami was also omitted from Punjab’s XI; his younger brother Mohammed Kaif was drafted into the playing eleven. Shami took part in a training session on Saturday but has not been listed for the match. Regular pacers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar are absent as they have been selected for India ‘A’ in the Red‑Ball series in New Zealand.

Gill’s early dismissal adds to Punjab’s concerns about building a resilient middle order as the domestic season reaches its climax and the national side prepares for a packed overseas calendar.