India cricket team star Shubman Gill was forced to miss Punjab’s Vijay Hazare Trophy round 5 match against Sikkim on Saturday. The batter was supposed to take part in a couple of VHT 2025/26 games before linking up with the Indian side ahead of the IND vs NZ ODI series. However, Gill will feature in just one match before the series and the reason behind his absence has been revealed.
Why did Shubman Gill miss Punjab vs Sikkim, VHT tie?
As per ESPNCricinfo, Gill arrived in Jaipur on Friday afternoon and was expected to take part in Saturday’s game against Sikkim. However, he was forced to skip the game due to food poisoning. The report claims that the decision to rest the Punjab batter was taken after consultation between doctors and team management. The report states that the decision was also taken keeping in mind the IND vs NZ ODI series which will begin on January 11 and will see Gill lead the Indian team.
“Gill didn’t feel well at night, and was advised to rest by the doctors,” a team source told the publication.
When will Gill be seen in action next?
As per the report, Gill is expected to feature in the VHT 2025/26 round 6 game between Punjab and Goa on January 6. That will be the only VHT game he will play before joining the Indian side ahead of the IND vs NZ ODI series.
Shubman hasn’t been in the best of shape – both physically and form wise – over the past few months. He suffered a neck injury during the IND vs SA 1st Test in Kolkata that forced him to not just miss the 2nd Test but also the IND vs SA ODIs as well. He then returned to action in the IND vs SA T20I series. However, Gill picked up a foot injury towards the end of the series.
