Why Shubman Gill is Not Playing Today Match in Chhattisgarh vs Punjab Vijay Hazare Trophy?

Punjab are taking on Chhattisgarh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at the Anantam Ground, Jaipur. After winning the first match, Punjab are aiming to get another win and maintain their good form.

However, their star batter and the Indian cricket team skipper, Shubman Gill, has missed out on the match. Interestingly, Gill, one of the best batsmen in the world, was absent during Punjab's first match as well despite being a part of the squad. As a result, the Indian fans are curious to know why Shubman Gill is not playing today.

Why Shubman Gill is Not Playing Today Match?

Shubman Gill recently suffered an injury during IND vs SA T20I series after which he had to miss the last match, getting replaced by Sanju Samson. However, he continued to travel with the team, which shows that the injury was not that serious. It shows that Shubman Gill injury might not be the reason for him missing this match.

There is no specific reason why Gill is not playing in the Chhattisgarh vs Punjab match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but it can be said that the star batter might still be recovering from the injury and needs time. It is also worth noted that IND vs NZ ODI series is on the cards, scheduled to kick off on January 11, and Gill will be seen leading the side. As a result, it's important for him to regain his full fitness ahead of the series.

Shubman Gill Aims To Regain Form

Shubman Gill VHT absence isn't what fans were expecting. However, it's important for him to work on his fitness first before coming back to the action on the field. Shubman Gill Vijay Hazare Trophy stats are excellent and his absence is likely to affect Punjab.

He had a disappointing outing during the recent T20I series against South Africa. As a result, he was dropped from India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, where some of the best cricket teams in the world will participate.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to replace Gill with Ishan Kishan for the World Cup as well as the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Interestingly, he missed out on the three-match ODI series against South Africa due to a neck injury, where Yashasvi Jaiswal replaced him and utilized the opportunity by smashing a century in the last match.

The upcoming New Zealand ODI series, starting on January 11, will be a big opportunity for Gill to regain his form. Being the captain of the team, he will be have a point to prove, especially after being dropped from the T20 World Cup squad.