Why Shubman Gill is Not Playing Today in Punjab vs Karnataka Ranji Trophy Match?

Team India's Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill has decided to opt out of the Punjab Ranji Trophy fixture against Karnataka on January 29, 2026, at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. He last played a Ranji Trophy game for Punjab against Saurashtra at Rajkot just a week ago.

The reason for his unavailability is unknown so far. Being one of the best batsmen in India, the right-hander was expected to play this game which also has some of the top stars in domestic cricket.

Why Shubman Gill is Not Playing Today in Punjab vs Karnataka Ranji Trophy Match?

Punjab is out of the knockout race for this season of the Ranji Trophy, and Gill has opted out of this clash against Karnataka. Although the exact reason is not made public yet, he might feature for India A during the warm-up matches for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Shubman Gill had a disappointing outing with the bat in his last Ranji Trophy appearance of the season. He was leading Punjab in their crucial Elite Group B fixture against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium C in Rajkot.

The Punjab skipper was under pressure to deliver in a virtual do-or-die contest, however, he was unable to score big and fell cheaply in both innings, including a duck. He was dismissed identically on both occasions, as he was trapped in front of the stumps.

More to follow…