Team India’s rising star Shubman Gill has been forced to withdraw from the Duleep Trophy 2025 due to illness, just days after being confirmed as part of India’s squad for the Asia Cup. Gill was expected to captain the North Zone team in Bengaluru, but reports suggest he is currently unwell and will not take part in the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament.
Why Shubman Gill Is Missing The Duleep Trophy
As per a report in Cricbuzz, Gill is recovering at his home in Chandigarh and will not join the North Zone squad. The Duleep Trophy is set to begin on August 28 at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, but Gill’s health situation has ruled him out.
Even before this setback, Shubman Gill was unlikely to play the entire event since he has been included in the Asia Cup squad. At best, he might have featured in one match before joining the national team camp. However, illness means he won’t play at all, leaving North Zone without their star leader.
Although neither the BCCI nor the zonal selection committee has made an official statement yet, insiders have confirmed that Gill’s unavailability is almost certain.
Shubman Gill Breakthrough Year & Vice-Captaincy Role
2025 has been a milestone year for Shubman Gill. Leading India in Test cricket for the first time, he delivered a stunning performance in England, where he scored more than 700 runs and played a key role in India’s 2-2 series draw.
His form not only cemented his spot in the team but also paved the way for his comeback to T20Is. The selectors showed faith in him by appointing him as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, ahead of names like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
This move, however, triggered debates. Many fans believed that Axar Patel’s removal as vice-captain was harsh, while some argued that Shreyas Iyer deserved another opportunity. Despite the criticism, the selectors see Gill as a future T20I captain after Suryakumar Yadav.
India’s Roadmap For Asia Cup 2025
India have been drawn in Group A, alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. The Men in Blue will begin their campaign against UAE on September 10, followed by the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14, and then face Oman on September 19.
If India finish in the top two, they will qualify for the Super 4s, where the best teams will compete in a round-robin format before the final. India enter the tournament as the defending champions, making Gill’s role as vice-captain even more crucial.
What Gill’s Absence Means
Shubman Gill missing the Duleep Trophy is a blow for North Zone, who will now need to appoint a new captain. However, the bigger concern lies with his fitness ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Also Known:
1. Asia Cup 2025 India Squad Live: Top-Order Battle Between Gill, Jaiswal, and Sudharsan
With the India-Pakistan clash scheduled for September 14, the team management will want their star opener fully fit and ready. For Shubman Gill, the Asia Cup will be a golden chance to silence critics, justify his vice-captaincy, and showcase his leadership qualities on the international stage.