Shubman Gill scored just one run on his Ranji Trophy comeback before the New Zealand Tests

Shubman Gill had a disappointing return to domestic red-ball cricket as he scored just one run for Punjab against Chhattisgarh in their Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match at New Chandigarh on Sunday.The India Test captain is using the domestic competition to prepare for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.Gill came into bat at No. 4 after Vihaan Malhotra was dismissed on the first ball of the 26th over. However, his innings lasted only five deliveries.Chhattisgarh bowler Ajay Mandal bowled him on the third ball of the 27th over, leaving Punjab at 68/3. Gill managed just one run which came off the second ball he faced.

Gill is preparing for the New Zealand Tests

Gill was added to the Punjab squad at the last minute to practice the red-ball game ahead of India’s Test series against New Zealand, which begins on November 19.Before joining the Test preparations, Gill is expected to play in the first three ODIs of India’s five-match series against New Zealand, scheduled from November 4-15. His deputy Shreyas Iyer will take over as ODI captain after Gill leaves to prepare for the Tests.Despite his early exit in the Ranji Trophy, Gill enjoyed an impressive year in international cricket. In three Tests this year, he scored 200 runs in four innings at an average of 50.00, including one century and one half-century.

Impressive international form

Gill was particularly successful in limited-overs cricket. In 15 international matches that year, he scored 1,095 runs at an average of 91.25, with four centuries and six half-centuries in 15 innings.His highest score during this run was an unbeaten 223 against West Indies in the second ODI. With the Test series in New Zealand looming, Gill will look to regain his touch in the upcoming matches and lead India in the crucial red-ball match.