IFI
इस खबर को सुनने के लिये प्ले बटन को दबाएं।
India’s promising young cricketer and newly-appointed Test captain, Shubman Gill, is currently sidelined due to illness, creating uncertainty around his participation in the upcoming Duleep Trophy and possibly even the Asia Cup 2025. The news has sparked concern among fans and analysts, especially given his crucial leadership role and recent appointment as vice-captain of the national squad for the Asia Cup.
Illness Forces Gill Out of Duleep Trophy Opener
According to team sources, Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the Duleep Trophy’s opening fixture, which begins on August 28, 2025, in Bengaluru. Scheduled to represent North Zone, Gill has withdrawn from the tournament due to a lingering illness that has left him resting at his home in Chandigarh. Team physiotherapists have already examined the cricketer, and an official health report has been submitted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
While the nature of the illness hasn’t been made public, sources close to the board have confirmed that it is not COVID-related. However, his temporary unavailability raises concerns about his fitness for upcoming major assignments, particularly the Asia Cup, where India is eyeing a strong showing under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, with Gill as his deputy.
A Crucial Phase for Indian Cricket
Shubman Gill’s absence is more than just a player missing a domestic tournament—it could disrupt the strategic build-up to one of the most high-stakes cricket seasons India has faced in recent years. As vice-captain, Gill was expected to play a vital role in mentoring the squad and contributing significantly with the bat.
Moreover, the timing of this development comes just days after India’s Asia Cup squad announcement, which was already surrounded by public debate. The selectors’ decision to appoint Gill as vice-captain while omitting Shreyas Iyer from the squad caused considerable stir online. Now, with Gill under the weather, the leadership hierarchy and squad dynamics may once again face scrutiny.
Impact on Team Composition and Morale
If Gill’s recovery is delayed, North Zone’s campaign in the Duleep Trophy will begin without one of their key players and leaders. His leadership and batting prowess would be sorely missed, especially considering the young talents in the side who look up to him.
At the national level, the uncertainty over Gill’s availability may push selectors and team management to reevaluate backup plans for leadership and top-order combinations. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad or Yashasvi Jaiswal may need to step up, both as batters and potential future leaders in the event of Gill’s extended absence.
No Timeline on Return Yet
As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for Shubman Gill’s return to full fitness. His medical team and the BCCI are reportedly taking a cautious approach, not wanting to rush the player back onto the field before he is 100% fit. Given his pivotal role across all formats, this cautious stance makes sense, even if it temporarily weakens India’s lineup in domestic or international fixtures.
Fans and former cricketers have voiced support for the young batter, hoping he makes a strong and swift comeback. At 26, Gill is considered one of the brightest stars of Indian cricket, and a prolonged absence could dent both his momentum and the team’s cohesion.
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