Shubman Gill is set to turn up for Punjab in their Ranji Trophy clash against Chhattisgarh, which begins on Saturday (October 17). However, despite being India’s Test and ODI captain and the most capped player in the team, Gill will play under the leadership of 22-year-old Uday Saharan.
Saharan, a right-handed batter and a product of the India Under-19 cricket system just like Gill, was appointed Punjab’s captain for this season as a reward for his consistent performances on the domestic circuit. Head coach Amit Uniyal, on the eve of the match, said that Gill insisted that Saharan continue because he was also with the team for a limited time.
“Uday is getting better day by day. Shubman also insisted that since Uday is doing well, he should continue
to lead. Shubman is mature, and he agreed that it is better to have continuity. If he was here for a longer run, then there would have been no doubt,” Uniyal said, as quoted by Sportstar.
Uniyal was full of praise for seniors like Gill, Umesh Yadav and Gurnoor Brar for leading by example.
“Their presence gives confidence to our team. It motivates us. Umesh and Gurnoor are putting in so much effort. The young guys see that the Indian captain is here to play despite such a short turnaround period. My senior players are showing me commitment. Prabhsimran Singh is back and putting in work. The atmosphere is such that everyone is learning from each other,” he said.
Gill has been a big advocate for red-ball cricket, and playing in the Ranji Trophy is his way to continue his red-ball practice ahead of this year’s tour of New Zealand, where India will play two Tests. Most other Test regulars are also set to turn up for their state and regional associations.
