Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy: India captain likely to miss Bengaluru tournament
Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy, starting August 28 in Bengaluru, as the India captain is reportedly unwell. This has raised concerns within the North Zone selection committee, who were already preparing for the possibility of his absence from the inter-zonal competition.
The Duleep Trophy, which will run from August 28 to September 15, is an important domestic event in Indian cricket. It brings together top players from different zones of the country and often acts as a platform for national selectors to assess players before international tournaments. However, Gill’s health condition has put his participation in doubt just days before the start of the competition.
Gill’s current health update
According to sources, Shubman Gill was recently examined by physiotherapists, who submitted a health status report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about 24 hours ago. At present, the 25-year-old India Test captain is resting at his home in Chandigarh.
Although no official communication has been shared with the North Zone selectors yet, the situation strongly indicates that Gill will not be available for the Duleep Trophy. The selectors have been expecting this possibility for the last few days and have quietly made backup plans.
Why Gill’s absence is not a surprise
Even if Gill had been fit, he was unlikely to play the full tournament. This is because he is scheduled to join the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9 in the UAE. At best, he might have been available only for the opening game of the Duleep Trophy.
The North Zone team is set to play against East Zone in the quarterfinal at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. But with Gill resting and prioritizing his fitness, it seems almost certain that he will not take part in the competition. Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy
Gill’s recent performances in England
Earlier this month, Gill returned from a successful tour of England, where he displayed exceptional form in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Across five Tests, he scored 754 runs, cementing his place as India’s most consistent performer in the series. His dominant batting was one of the major reasons behind India’s strong showing overseas. Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy
Gill’s brilliant form also convinced the selectors to include him in the India T20I squad for the Asia Cup, where he has been named vice-captain. This shows the growing trust and responsibility that the selectors are placing on him at just 25 years of age. Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy
North Zone’s replacement plans
The North Zone selectors had already anticipated Gill’s possible absence and named Shubham Rohilla as his replacement when the squad was announced. In addition, Ankit Kumar was named as the vice-captain, which now means he will lead the team in Gill’s absence.
The selectors also accounted for the departure of other key players. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, both named in India’s Asia Cup squad, will leave the zonal side after the first game. If North Zone advances further, Gurnoor Brar and Anuj Thakral will replace them.
The selection committee behind the decisions
The North Zone selection committee includes some well-known former cricketers:
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Chetan Sharma (Haryana)
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Nikhil Chopra (Delhi)
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Amit Uniyal (Chandigarh)
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Mithun Minhas (J&K, Convenor)
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Raj Kumar (Services)
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Mukesh Kumar (Himachal Pradesh)
This experienced panel has been carefully monitoring the situation and ensuring that the North Zone side remains balanced, even without star players like Gill. Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy
Impact on Duleep Trophy 2025
Gill’s absence is a blow to the North Zone team, as his leadership and batting would have been crucial in a knockout competition. However, it also provides an opportunity for younger players like Shubham Rohilla and Ankit Kumar to showcase their skills on a bigger stage. Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy
For Gill, the bigger picture is clear — he needs to prioritize his health and fitness ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 and later commitments with the national team. Missing the Duleep Trophy might disappoint fans, but it is the right decision for his long-term career. Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy
Looking ahead
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Shubman Gill as he focuses on recovery before the Asia Cup. India will rely heavily on him at the top order in the high-pressure tournament, and his fitness will directly impact the team’s chances. Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy
Meanwhile, the Duleep Trophy will continue to serve as an important domestic competition, giving emerging players the chance to prove their worth. While Gill’s absence will be felt, the tournament still promises to deliver exciting cricket as different zones compete for the title. Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy
Shubman Gill may skip Duleep Trophy due to health concerns, and his absence could change the balance of the North Zone side. However, with the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, prioritizing his recovery is the right call. His recent performances in England prove his class, and fans will now eagerly await his return in the blue jersey for India.
