As the Duleep Trophy comes closer, the North Zone might be missing Shubhman Gill, as the sources reveal he is currently recovering from illness. The tournament will start on August 28 in Bengaluru, but the Indian Test captain, who was supposed to lead the North Zone, is likely to be unavailable for the initial phase before he joins India for the Asia Cup 2025 as the vice-captain, starting on September 9 in the UAE.
The selection officials for the North Zone are aware that Gill’s absence is on the cards due to his current fitness status and upcoming national duties. In the first match, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) will see North Zone going up against East Zone in the quarterfinal on August 28. However, as of now, there is no update about Gill’s availability for the season opener.
In a recent medical examination, the team of physios carried out Gill’s medical check-up and forwarded the health update to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). As per the reports, Gill is currently taking a rest at his home in Chandigarh.
It is not logically possible for Gill to be a part of the complete Duleep Trophy as the tournament will finish on September 15 after the inaugural match on August 28. Meanwhile, the Asia Cup 2025 begins on September 9, and he has been named for the India squad for this T20-based tournament.
Gill is making a comeback in the T20I set up after playing last in July 2024 for India vs Sri Lanka clashes. In the most recent Test series against England, Gill amassed 754 runs, recording a successful stint with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, becoming his first series as a captain.
The selectors of the North Zone were already prepared with a substitute, replacing Gill in case of his confirmed selection for the Asia Cup 2025. When the squad was declared, Shubham Rohilla was appointed as the first choice to find an alternative in case Gill features in the Asia Cup. Ankit Kumar, who was appointed as a vice-captain for the North Zone, indicates he is set to lead the team in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
