JAIPUR: Shubman Gill’s much-awaited return to domestic cricket was delayed on Saturday (January 3) after India’s Test and ODI captain missed Punjab’s elite Group C Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim due to food poisoning. Punjab coach Sandeep Sharma said Gill arrived in Jaipur on Friday and wanted to play, but he fell ill late in the night and was advised to rest.“Shubman arrived in Jaipur on Friday and was looking forward to the match but he was not feeling well late in the night so he was advised to rest,” Sharma said. “He will be available for the next game against Goa on Tuesday (January 6).
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Gill’s absence did not hurt Punjab, who beat Sikkim by 10 wickets at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground. After opting to field, Punjab bundled out Sikkim for 75 in 22.2 overs with Arshdeep Singh leading the charge with 5/34 in his 10 overs.Chasing down the target in just 6.2 overs, Punjab finished on 81 for no loss. Prabhsimran Singh smashed 53 off 26 balls while Harnoor Singh remained unbeaten on 22 off 13 deliveries.The win was Punjab’s fourth in five matches to take them to 16 points, placing them at the top of the Group C table (points ahead of Mumbai).
