Shubman Gill’s return to Ranji Trophy cricket ended in frustration on the opening day of Punjab’s Round 6 Elite Group B match against Saurashtra, as the India captain was dismissed for a two-ball duck. On a pitch that offered significant turn, Gill’s brief stay at the crease underlined ongoing questions about his form across formats.
Tough conditions in Rajkot for batters
The match in Rajkot saw Saurashtra bat first and post 172 in their first innings, with Jay Gohil top-scoring with a resolute 82. Punjab’s bowlers, including left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar, responded with controlled lines, but the pitch was clearly assisting spin as the day progressed.
When Punjab came in to bat, the struggle against turning deliveries continued. The team was reduced to 73/3 when Gill walked to the crease, hoping to anchor the innings and provide a platform for his side.
How gill got out and what it means
Gill’s stay at the crease was brief. On just the second ball he faced, the left-hander was trapped in front by Saurashtra left-arm spinner Parth Bhut, resulting in an LBW dismissal without scoring. The mode of dismissal reflected the conditions and Saurashtra’s effective use of spin, but it also highlighted Gill’s recent struggles to convert starts into meaningful contributions.
The duck continues a lean patch for Gill, who has had mixed returns in red-ball cricket recently. Prior to today’s match, he had a decent ODI series vs New Zealand where he scored two fifties but fell cheaply in the decider. His inconsistency across formats in last few months has drawn scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
Gill's reaction suggested he might have got an edge, however with no DRS, he had to walk back to the pavilion.
Jadeja also fails to impress
In the same game, another senior Indian star, Ravindra Jadeja, also found runs hard to come by. Playing for Saurashtra, Jadeja managed just seven off six before being dismissed, extending his recent run of low scores with the bat. With the ball, he did take two wickets & played a part in bowling out Punjab on 139.
By stumps on Day 1, Saurashtra ended their second innings strongly at 24/3, holding a 57-run lead. The nature of the pitch and the spin friendly conditions suggested a likely early finish unless teams adapt quickly.
Test stars under pressure
Gill’s duck will inevitably fuel discussion about his confidence and form, especially as he balances leadership responsibilities with batting expectations across formats for India. While his talent and past red-ball successes are well established, this outing served as a reminder of how challenging conditions and tough opposition bowling can test even the game’s top players.
For Jadeja, the struggle continues to add to questions about his batting contributions, although his experience and all-round value remain crucial in domestic and international contexts.
