![Shubman Gill will play for Punjab [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792248376417_Shubman_Gill.jpg?type=hq)
Shubman Gill will play for Punjab [Source: AFP]
The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has unveiled a strong 15-member Punjab squad for their upcoming second match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. As per schedule, the Punjab cricket team will take on Chhattisgarh in their Elite Group B match in New Chandigarh between October 18 and October 21.
Shubman Gill, who missed Punjab’s opening match of the competition last week, has been included in the 15-member group as a last-minute addition. However, former Under-19 cricketer Uday Saharan will continue to lead the team.
Shubman Gill set to return to domestic cricket for Punjab
Shubman Gill missed Punjab’s opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season against Assam earlier this month at the Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh between October 11 and October 14.
The senior Indian batter is now set to make his return to domestic cricket through Punjab’s second match of the season against Chhattisgarh at the same venue from October 18 onwards. The 27-year-old was named in Punjab’s 15-player squad, set to be led by Uday Saharan.
Gill will likely continue to bat at number four for Punjab. The team’s 15-member group also features explosive wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh and fellow IPL graduate Harpreet Brar. Here is a look at the complete Punjab squad for the match against Chhattisgarh.
Punjab squad for match vs Chhattisgarh: Harnoor Pannu, Vihaan Malhotra, Shubman Gill, Uday Saharan (captain), Jashanpreet Sidhu, Salil Arora (wk), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Ramandeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Emanjot Chahal, Harjas Tandon, Gurnoor Brar, Gursimran Singh, Sanvir Singh and Umesh Yadav.
Why Ranji Trophy 2026-27 is important for Shubman Gill
Gill’s return to domestic cricket comes at an important juncture in his calendar, with the Indian batter set to get valuable red-ball game time under his belt ahead of a busy international schedule. The upcoming New Zealand tour next month makes his Ranji Trophy outing even more significant.
At least a couple of Ranji Trophy outings before taking flight for New Zealand might give him a chance to fine-tune his rhythm and form. It is worth noting that the upcoming series in New Zealand will mark Gill’s first ever Test trip to the country.
As captain, it is imperative for the prolific top-order batter to lead India to a rare Test series success in context of the ongoing 2025-27 WTC cycle.
