Sports News: Indian cricket has received a setback ahead of the prestigious Duleep Trophy, as Test team captain Shubman Gill has pulled out of the tournament. Earlier slated to lead North Zone, Gill’s withdrawal comes just before the Asia Cup 2025, raising fresh concerns about his fitness. The update follows a medical evaluation and blood test report submitted to the BCCI, which confirmed that the young opener would not be taking part in the domestic competition this year.
Gill’s performance was excellent in the test series
Gill’s performance was excellent in the recently concluded five-match Test series against England. Seeing his game, the selectors appointed him as the captain of the North Zone. But, after a recent blood test, the BCCI medical team received his report. After the advice of the physio, it was decided that Gill should stay away from the Duleep Trophy so that there is no additional pressure on his fitness. Gill is currently spending his holidays and has shared his pictures on social media, in which he is seen relaxing on a yacht.
The Duleep Trophy will start on 28 August
The Duleep Trophy is going to start on 28th August. In this competition, North Zone’s first match will be against East Zone, which will be played at BCCI Center of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru. The match will start at 9:30 am. If Gill does not participate in this tournament, then the command of the team can be handed over to vice-captain Ankit Kur. However, no official announcement has been made on this yet.
Asia Cup 2025: India’s next big challenge
India’s next big challenge will be the Asia Cup 2025, which will start in Dubai on September 9. The Indian team’s first match will be against hosts UAE on September 10. According to media reports, the Indian team will leave for Dubai by September 4 or 5. In this situation, even if North Zone progresses further in the Duleep Trophy, Shubman Gill will not be available for the team.
Gill has been appointed the vice-captain of the Indian team for the Asia Cup 2025. In such a situation, the team management does not want him to get injured by playing in any domestic tournament. It is clear that Gill will be kept safe for the Asia Cup and the important international matches to be held after that.
