Shubman Gill health update: Punjab coach issues official statement, confirms return timeline

Punjab’s much-awaited match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 against Sikkim saw a last-minute change as Shubman Gill was unable to take the field due to sudden illness on Saturday, January 3.

Why did Shubman Gill not play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim?

Shubman Gill’s return to the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 was delayed as India’s ODI and Test captain was ruled out of the group match against Sikkim due to sudden illness.

He arrived in Jaipur on Friday (January 2) and was ready to play against Sikkim in their group match. However, late that night, the Punjab batter’s health deteriorated.

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According to team sources, the 24-year-old suffered from food poisoning, experiencing severe stomach trouble and discomfort.

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After a medical check and discussion with team doctors, the Punjab cricket team management decided not to include Gill in the playing XI against Sikkim as a precautionary measure.

Official Statement from Punjab on Gill’s Health

Punjab head coach Sandeep Sharma was quoted by Sportstar as saying, “Shubman reached Jaipur on Friday and was looking forward to playing the game, but late in the night, he was not feeling too well, so he was advised to take rest.”

However, Gill missed the match, but another international star, Arshdeep Singh, grabbed the opportunity with both hands, taking a five-wicket haul to help Punjab beat Sikkim by 10 wickets.

Notably, Shubman Gill was last seen in action for India during the recent ODI series against South Africa at home.

When Will Shubman Gill Return?

Well, Gill felt better the next morning, but the Punjab team decided not to rush him back into the action, keeping in mind the busy international schedule, as he is also scheduled to lead India in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand.

The right-handed batter is set to be available for Punjab's next Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 match against Goa on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

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The coach stated, “This morning, he was better, but keeping in mind the fact that there’s a packed schedule, we decided to rest him. He will certainly be available for the next game.”

India’s ODI Squad for New Zealand Series to Be Announced on January 3

Meanwhile, India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand will be announced on Saturday. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the senior men’s selection committee will meet on Saturday to finalize and announce the squad.

Saikia was quoted as saying by ANI, “As you know, from the 11th of January, India is going to play New Zealand in a three-match ODI series, and today we have a meeting with the selectors, and in the afternoon we are going to announce the squad for the New Zealand series who will be representing the country.”

The opening match of the upcoming India vs New Zealand series will be played in Vadodara on January 11, marking the start of their first international assignment in ODI cricket in 2026. The second match is scheduled for January 14, followed by the final ODI on January 19 in Rajkot and Indore, respectively.