Indian vice-captain for the Asia Cup,Shubman Gill, in a recent interview, has expressed his desire to feature in the Duleep Trophy round despite being unwell and having undergone blood tests in Mumbai.
India vice-captain, Shubman Gill, has made the headlines over his return to the Indian T20I squad. Gill was backed by the selectors for a permanent leadership role for future events, as well as his commanding performance with the bat in successive IPL seasons.
Shubman Gill prioritizes the Duleep Trophy over the Asia Cup return
A recent report from RevSportz reporter Rohit Juglan has affirmed that Indian Test skipper Shubman is looking forward to featuring in the Duleep Trophy, where he might be seen leading the North Zone team.
The skipper had a stunning run in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and would be aiming to keep up his good form, also keeping in mind the BCCI’s prioritizing of the domestic cricket policy. However, it has also been reported that Gill is probably unwell and underwent blood tests in Mumbai, despite which he urges for a Duleep Trophy participation.
This could jeopardise his Asia Cup plans, since he has international duties lined up for the rest of the year, which initiate with the Asia Cup and would continue till the end of this year.
Sanju Samson to restore the opening spot in Gill’s absence
Rajasthan Royals veteran Sanju Samson has emerged as one of India’s most enigmatic openers ever since he was promoted up the order in the shortest format of the game. Samson has played in 2024, throughout all series after the World Cup triumph.
He scored 3 stupendous centuries while maintaining a staggering strike rate; however, despite utter brilliance, his batting place in the Indian team has been threatened by the return of Shubman Gill to the shorter format for India.
Gill, who can only be expected to bat in the top 3, would push Samson down the order, since, as per reports, Tilak Varma is the most likely contender for the no. 3 spot. Samson, approving the demotion to stay in the team, has already shifted his batting position in the ongoing Kerala Cricket League.
North Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy mentions Shubman Gill as the skipper
India’s Test captain has been named in the North Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, and he has also been named as the skipper of the side. They will kick off the domestic season in Bengaluru at the end of August, before the onset of the Asia Cup on 9th September.
Big names from the Indian team include Anshul Kamboj, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, who have all been named in the North Zone Squad. Three of the Delhi players, captain Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull and Rana, were part of the squad, while 5 players from J&K have made the cut for the Duleep Trophy.
The Haryana teammate of Shubman Gill, Ankit Kumar, has been named the vice-captain and the deputy would likely be in the leadership role when Gill leaves for the Asia Cup, after probably playing the first game of the Duleep Trophy.
North Zone Squad: Shubman Gill (capt), Shubham Khajuria, Ankit Kumar (vice-capt), Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, Ankit Kalsi, Nishant Sindhu, Sahil Lotra, Mayank Dagar, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (wk).
They have also named the likes of Shubham Rohilla to replace Gill, Gurnoor Brar to replace Arshdeep and Anuj Thakral to replace Harshit due to India’s commitments during the series.