North Zone is unsure about Shubman Gill’s participation in the Duleep Trophy opener against East Zone. The Indian Test captain was named North Zone’s skipper and praised by Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar for setting the right example for the rest of the Indian team by playing in the Duleep Trophy.
Gill uncertain for Duleep Trophy
But the North Zone isn’t sure whether Gill will play on August 28. Along with Harshit Rana, the Indian Test captain was expected to join the North Zone at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) today, August 27. But they haven’t heard a word about it from Gill or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Both Rana and Gill are part of India’s squad for the Asia Cup and are expected to leave for the UAE in the first week of September. There were concerns over Gill’s participation in the Duleep Trophy prior, as he had viral fever and underwent blood tests last week. To feature in the tournament, Gill first needs to get clearance from the BCCI’s medical team.
“We haven’t heard anything from them, or Shubman, as yet, and accordingly, we are expecting him to join the squad today, along with Harshit Rana. Beyond this, I can’t say anything. If he isn’t available, then I think we will be informed,” a member of the North Zone coaching staff told RevSportz.
Contracted players like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, who are neither part of the Duleep Trophy nor the Asia Cup, are expected to undergo pre-season fitness tests at the CoE at the end of the month. If Gill doesn’t play for North Zone, he might join them in Bengaluru as well.
North Zone squad for Duleep Trophy
Shubman Gill (c), Shubham Khajuria, Ankit Kumar (vc), Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, Ankit Kalsi, Nishant Sandhu, Sahil Lotra, Mayank Dagar, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Kanhaiya Wadhawan
