Is Shubman Gill Playing Today Match in Punjab vs Sikkim VHT?

The fifth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 commenced on Saturday, January 3 with all the teams in action. Just like the last four rounds, some of the big names turned up yet again, making it one of the best editions of the tournament.

Coming to the Punjab side, they are locking horns with Sikkim at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur, one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world. They would be keen to win this game and make their position strong in the points table of Group C in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.

Is Shubman Gill Playing Today Match in Punjab vs Sikkim VHT?

India's top order batter Shubman Gill made his return to Punjab vs Sikkim match but didn't play the match. The right-hander was earlier named in the XI against Sikkim and it marked his return to the field after a toe injury, which he suffered in the T20I series against South Africa. Shubman Gill Vijay Hazare Trophy absence for this match is not a good news for Punjab cricket team.

The ongoing game against Sikkim would have been extremely important for Shubman Gill as he has been under fire for his poor performances for India despite being one of the best batsmen in the world. He has been short of runs and was ultimately dropped from India squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Gill is expected to go into the New Zealand ODI series as the captain of the team. He will be leading India in the three-match series against the Kiwis, which will begin on January 11.

Why Shubman Gill is Not Playing Today Match?

Gill is not playing the Punjab vs Sikkim match due to food poisoning. The right-hander was expected to mark a highly anticipated domestic return with this match but has been left out. The Indian team management will also keep an eye on his fitness given he is one of the most important players for India.

The Indian captain is likely to open the batting in the NZ ODIs alongside Rohit Sharma with Virat Kohli at No. 3. With several top class players in the team, the series has been highly anticipated so far.

Punjab in VHT 2025-26

Punjab are having a decent time in VHT 2025-26. They started the tournament on a high note as they beat Maharashtra by 51 runs in Jaipur. After that, they continued their same form in the next match against Chhattisgarh.

They beat Chhattisgarh by 9 wickets to mark two straight wins. However, they faced a setback in their third game, losing against Uttarakhand by five wickets. But, they were quick to make a comeback in the next match, where we beat Himachal Pradesh by six wickets. Shubman Gill VHT presence has strengthened them.

Punjab are placed second on the Vijay Hazare Trophy points table in Group C below Mumbai. In the four games, they have won three games with one loss. With 12 points under their belt, they have an NRR of +0.868.