India's Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill, was forced to delay his return to domestic cricket after a sudden bout of food poisoning ruled him out of Punjab's crucial Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter. The much-anticipated appearance in Jaipur on Saturday, January 3, was scrapped as the star batsman fell ill.
Gill's Unfortunate Setback in Jaipur
Shubman Gill had arrived in Jaipur on Friday with full intention of leading Punjab in their Elite Group C match against Sikkim. However, the player's plans were disrupted late in the night when he started feeling unwell. Punjab coach Sandeep Sharma confirmed the details, stating that Gill was keen to play but was advised to take rest following the illness.
"He reached Jaipur on Friday and was looking forward to the game, but late in the night he wasn't feeling well so he was advised to take rest," Sharma explained. The coach provided a positive update on Gill's availability, confirming, "He'll be available for the next match against Goa on Tuesday, January 6."
Punjab's Commanding Victory Without Their Skipper
Despite the absence of their captain, Punjab delivered a dominant performance, crushing Sikkim by a massive margin of 10 wickets. Opting to field first at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground, Punjab's bowlers dismantled the Sikkim batting lineup with remarkable efficiency.
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was the chief destroyer, producing a brilliant spell of 5 wickets for 34 runs in his 10 overs. His efforts helped bundle out Sikkim for a paltry total of just 75 runs in a mere 22.2 overs.
Ruthless Chase Seals Top Spot
The Punjab openers made light work of the modest target, showcasing an aggressive batting display. Prabhsimran Singh blazed his way to an unbeaten 53 off only 26 balls, while Harnoor Singh provided solid support with 22 not out from 13 deliveries. The chase was completed in just 6.2 overs, with Punjab finishing on 81 without losing a wicket.
This comprehensive win marked Punjab's fourth victory in five matches, taking their points tally to 16. The result places them at the top of the Group C table, tied on points with Mumbai, and in a strong position as the tournament progresses.
