Shubman Gill (BCCI Photo)
NEW DELHI: India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will return to action for Punjab in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. Former India U-19 captain Uday Saharan led Punjab in that game. Gill, 27, had earlier received the honour in January and September 2023, and February and July 2025. He then smashed 223 off 133 balls, recording the fastest double-century ever. His innings helped his team chase down a target of 406 with eight wickets in hand and 39 balls to spare.
He matched West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who has also won the award five times. The India T20I squad for the New Zealand tour has already been announced. Gill missed Punjab’s opening Ranji Trophy match against Assam in New Chandigarh. Gill was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for a record fifth time following his impressive performances in the ODI series against the West Indies. The squad for the five-match ODI series on the same tour will be selected soon.