Shubman Gill had a disappointing return to domestic red-ball cricket, scoring just one run for Punjab against Chhattisgarh in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match in New Chandigarh on Sunday.The India Test captain is using the domestic competition to prepare for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.Gill came in to bat at No. 4 after Vihaan Malhotra was dismissed on the first ball of the 26th over. However, his innings lasted only five deliveries.Chhattisgarh bowler Ajay Mandal bowled him on the third ball of the 27th over, leaving Punjab at 68/3. Gill managed just one run, which came off the second ball he faced.
Gill prepares for New Zealand Tests
Gill was added to Punjab’s squad at the last minute to get some red-ball match practice before India’s Test series against New Zealand, which begins on November 19.Before joining the Test preparations, Gill is expected to play in the first three ODIs of India’s five-match series against New Zealand, scheduled from November 4 to 15. His deputy, Shreyas Iyer, will take over as ODI captain after Gill leaves to prepare for the Tests.Despite his early dismissal in the Ranji Trophy, Gill has enjoyed an impressive year in international cricket. In three Tests this year, he has scored 200 runs in four innings at an average of 50.00, including one century and one half-century.
Impressive international form
Gill has been particularly successful in limited-overs cricket. Across 15 international matches this year, he has scored 1,095 runs at an average of 91.25, with four centuries and six half-centuries in 15 innings.His highest score during this run was an unbeaten 223 against the West Indies in the second ODI. With the New Zealand Test series approaching, Gill will be looking to regain his touch in the coming matches and lead India in the crucial red-ball contest.
