Dropped from Indian team, Shubman Gill joins Punjab squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Shubman Gill. (Photo source: X/Shubman Gill)

Star India batter Shubman Gill has been named in Punjab’s squad ahead of the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. India’s Test and ODI skipper will be seen representing his home state in off time, as he has been dropped from the squad for the T20Is against New Zealand and the subsequent T20 World Cup 2026. Gill’s India teammates Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh have also been named in the squad.

Both Gill and Arshdeep are expected to participate in the upcoming One-Day Internationals against the BlackCaps at home, with the former being the captain as well. Punjab will finish their league stage in Elite Group C on January 8, leaving very less gap for the New Zealand series, which will begin three days later in Vadodara. Thus, the scope of the duo’s availability remains unclear at the moment.

Abhishek Sharma likely to play full season

Abhishek, meanwhile, may make himself fully available for Vijay Hazare commitments, since he will join the Indian only ahead of the T20I series, starting January 21 in Nagpur. The finals of the domestic competition will take place on January 18, and given Punjab making it through, the left-handed batter may be able to provide a full season for the state side.

The 15-man squad also includes a power-packed batting line-up with Uday Saharan, Prabhsimran Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, and Naman Dhir in the line-up. Meanwhile, Harpreet Brar, Gurnoor Brar, and Raghu Sharma have also been included by the Punjab Cricket Association, as the side aims to lift its maiden title in the premier 50-over competition.

Punjab squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Harnoor Pannu, Anmolpreet Singh, Uday Saharan, Naman Dhir, Salil Arora (wk), Sanvir Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Harpreet Brar, Raghu Sharma, Krish Bhagat, Gourav Choudhary, Sukhdeep Bajwa

Note: Punjab haven’t named a captain in the official media release for the squad

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.