‘Unwell’ Shubman Gill Could Be Ruled Out of Duleep Trophy 2025

Star Indian cricketer and current Test captain Shubman Gill has suffered a setback ahead of the domestic season, as reports confirm he has fallen ill and will miss the entire Duleep Trophy 2025. Gill, who was originally named the captain of the North Zone squad, was expected to lead from the front in this prestigious domestic tournament. However, his unavailability has forced the selectors to make changes to the leadership and composition of the team. Instead of playing in the Duleep Trophy, Gill will now focus on regaining full fitness and directly joining the Indian national squad for the Asia Cup 2025, where he will serve as vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav. This development is being closely followed by fans and experts, as Gill’s role in the Asia Cup will be crucial for India’s campaign.

With Gill unavailable, North Zone selectors have handed the captaincy to Ankit Kumar from Haryana, who was earlier appointed vice-captain. The leadership responsibility now rests on Ankit’s shoulders as he prepares to guide a young and promising side through a tough tournament. The North Zone squad still has several exciting names such as left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, fast bowler Harshit Rana, and all-rounder Anshul Kamboj. However, both Arshdeep and Harshit Rana will only be available for the opening match against East Zone, as they too have been called up to the national squad for the Asia Cup 2025. This creates further challenges for the North Zone camp, as they will need backup players to step up once these key bowlers leave for national duty.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, Shubman Gill is currently resting at his home in Chandigarh on the advice of medical professionals. Sources close to the situation have confirmed that the Fazilka-born right-hander will not participate in any part of the Duleep Trophy this season. However, an official statement regarding his withdrawal has not yet been issued by either the zonal selectors or the national selection committee, leaving fans awaiting formal confirmation. Despite this, it is now almost certain that Gill’s absence will significantly affect North Zone’s chances, as they lose not only their best batsman but also their most experienced leader.

To fill the gap left by Gill, North Zone selectors have added opener Shubham Rohilla to the squad. Additionally, Gurnoor Brar and Anuj Thakral have been shortlisted as possible replacements for Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana once the pair leaves after the first game. These adjustments highlight the uncertainty surrounding North Zone’s lineup heading into the six-team tournament, but also provide younger players with an opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level of India’s domestic cricket.

The Duleep Trophy 2025 begins with North Zone clashing against East Zone in the opening quarterfinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru. This match is expected to test North Zone’s depth and resilience without their star skipper. Should North Zone manage to defeat East Zone, they will progress to the semifinal, where a strong South Zone side awaits. Winning the semifinal would earn them a spot in the grand finale, which will be played over five days, a format that demands consistency and mental toughness.

The original North Zone squad included Shubman Gill (captain), Ankit Kumar (vice-captain), Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, Shubham Khajuria, Nishant Sindhu, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Dagar, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Yudhvir Singh, Aaqib Nabi, Ankit Kalsi, Sahil Lotra, and Kanhaiya Wadhawan. The stand-by players named were Shubham Arora, Jaskaranvir Singh Paul, Ravi Chauhan, Abid Mushtaq, Nishunk Birla, Umar Nazir, and Divesh Sharma. With Gill ruled out and other changes expected, the squad dynamics will now look different heading into the tournament.

Gill’s absence is undoubtedly a blow for North Zone, but the bigger picture remains his recovery before the Asia Cup 2025. As vice-captain of the national side, his presence alongside Suryakumar Yadav will be crucial in balancing India’s batting lineup. For now, Ankit Kumar and the rest of the North Zone unit will look to put on a strong show in the Duleep Trophy despite the challenges, while Gill focuses on regaining his health for bigger battles ahead.