Shubman Gill falls for 1 on Ranji Trophy return ahead of New Zealand Tests

Shubman Gill's return to the Ranji Trophy lasted just five balls as the India captain fell for one run while playing for Punjab against Chhattisgarh at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Sunday.Shubman Gill falls cheaply for Punjab vs Chhattisgarh ahead of New Zealand Tests(Reuters Photo)New Delhi,Oct 18, 2026 14:15 ISTShubman Gill's return to the Ranji Trophy did not go as planned, as the India captain was dismissed for just one run while playing for Punjab against Chhattisgarh at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Sunday. Gill, who came in to bat at No. 4, lasted only five deliveries before left-arm spinner Ajay Mandal bowled him in the 27th over.Gill walked out to bat after Vihaan Malhotra was dismissed on the first ball of the 26th over. He opened his account with a single off the second delivery he faced, but could not build on it. Mandal beat the India captain's defence with a delivery that held its line and went through the gap between bat and pad before crashing into the middle stump. Gill's dismissal left Punjab at 68/3, bringing an early end to his first outing in the domestic red-ball competition this season.The 27-year-old had missed the opening round of the Ranji Trophy but returned for Punjab's second fixture to get some much-needed time in the middle before India's tour of New Zealand. With a demanding international schedule ahead, the match presented Gill with an opportunity to test his technique in first-class conditions and sharpen his game ahead of the two-Test series against the Black Caps.GILL'S RANJI RETURN AHEAD OF NEW ZEALAND TOUR Gill's participation in domestic cricket comes amid the Board of Control for Cricket in India's emphasis on ensuring that leading international players turn out for their state teams when their international commitments allow. First-class matches offer batters a chance to work on their game against quality bowling in competitive conditions, something that practice sessions alone cannot replicate.For Gill, the fixture against Chhattisgarh was an opportunity to get accustomed to the demands of red-ball cricket before taking charge of India on the New Zealand tour. His early dismissal, however, meant he had little time to settle at the crease or face an extended spell of spin bowling. India are scheduled to play five ODIs and two Tests during the six-week-long tour, with Gill set to lead the side in both formats. While the limited-overs matches will be part of India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Test series will carry significant weight in the team's bid to remain in contention for a place in the World Test Championship final.- Ends