Illness set to rule Shubman Gill out of Duleep Trophy
Preparing to lead North Zone in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, Shubman Gill has hit an early roadblock. The young Indian Test captain was gearing up for a return to action after wrapping up the five-match India vs England Test series earlier this month. Gill was named captain of North Zone for the tournament that kicks off the Indian domestic cycle. However, the 25-year-old has reportedly been unwell and is now likely to be ruled out of the competition. Moreover, his recent illness also casts a shadow on his participation in the Asia Cup 2025.
Shubman Gill reportedly down with viral fever, likely to be ruled out of Duleep Trophy
Shubman Gill has been advised rest after recent medical tests, leaving his participation in the Duleep Trophy in serious doubt. As per a recent report, blood samples submitted to the BCCI confirmed an illness that has effectively ruled him out of the domestic tournament beginning August 28. The 25-year-old is currently in Chandigarh, recovering at home.
The young Indian Test captain wrapped up the India vs England series, scoring 754 runs across the five Tests. With four centuries on the tour, Gill smashed multiple records as India managed to draw the series 2-2. Following the series, the cricketer reportedly spent a short vacation in Greece. A return to domestic cricket looked certain following the break until the illness set him back. While the condition is not considered severe, it has been troubling enough to keep him away from competitive cricket.
A separate update has reported that Shubman Gill is suffering from viral fever. A precautionary blood test was conducted earlier this week in Mumbai, though doctors do not consider the illness a major concern. Gill, by all accounts, remains eager to play, but with the tournament only days away, his chances of taking the field look slim. That is a blow for North Zone, as Gill was to lead a side featuring the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Anshul Kamboj among others.
However, even if Gill had been fit, his involvement in Duleep Trophy was always going to be brief. India are due to fly out to the UAE for the Asia Cup 2025, with their first training session on September 5. The clash of schedules essentially signalled that Gill could have played at most the opening match against East Zone. The real focus now is on his recovery ahead of the ACC tournament. Gill was recently appointed as India’s T20I vice-captain, earning his return to the shorter format as the India squad for Asia Cup 2025 was announced earlier this week.
