Shubman Gill’s 2026 begins HORRIBLY as fresh illness delays Vijay Hazare Trophy comeback

India ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill was not included in Punjab’s playing XI against Sikkim in the fifth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Jaipur on Saturday, January 3. The right-handed batter’s absence from the line-up raised questions, especially ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.

Gill travelled to Jaipur on Friday night along with Arshdeep Singh. The fast bowler featured in Punjab’s playing XI, but Gill was absent. Notably, the match between Punjab and Sikkim is underway at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground. The venue has no seating facilities, and spectators are not allowed to attend.

Shubman Gill’s Return to Domestic Cricket Delayed Due to Food Poisoning

Shubman Gill’s comeback to domestic cricket has been pushed back after he was ruled out of Punjab’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim. As reported by Shayan Acharya from Sportstar, Gill missed the game due to food poisoning, delaying his return to the action.

“BREAKING: Shubman Gill’s return to domestic cricket has been delayed. According to team sources, he had to sit out of the Punjab vs Sikkim Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture due to food poisoning,” Shayan Acharya wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

BREAKING: Shubman Gill’s return to domestic cricket has been delayed. According to team sources, he had to sit out of the Punjab vs Sikkim Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture due to food poisoning. @sportstarweb

— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) January 3, 2026

Toss Update 🪙

Punjab won the toss and elected to field first. 💛💙
Arshdeep Singh is part of today’s Playing XI.#PunjabCricket #PCA #TossUpdate #MatchDay #VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/gQr8xP5TjL

— Punjab Cricket Association (@pcacricket) January 3, 2026