After Team India’s ODI series loss against New Zealand, questions arose about where captain Shubman Gill would be seen in action next. Those questions have now been answered. Gill will return to red-ball cricket and feature in the Ranji Trophy, where he could come up against senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Several Indian players who are not part of the 2026 T20 World Cup squad are expected to turn out for their respective state teams in the second half of the Ranji Trophy, adding star power and competitiveness to the tournament.

Gill and Jadeja to Take the Field on January 22

The second phase of the Ranji Trophy begins on January 22, with Punjab taking on Saurashtra in a match scheduled to be played in Rajkot.

In this high-profile clash, Shubman Gill will represent Punjab, while Ravindra Jadeja is expected to turn out for Saurashtra. As a result, the match is being viewed as a direct Gill-versus-Jadeja contest, adding extra excitement for fans.

Gill and Jadeja’s Form Against New Zealand

Both players featured in all three ODIs of the recent series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill performed solidly with the bat, scoring 135 runs in three innings at an average of 45.

Ravindra Jadeja, however, struggled in the series. He managed just 43 runs across three innings, and his bowling also failed to make an impact, as he went wicketless while conceding runs at a high rate.

What They Aim to Achieve in the Ranji Trophy

The Ranji Trophy remains India’s premier red-ball competition, and both Punjab and Saurashtra will be keen to improve their standings in the second half of the tournament. At present, Saurashtra are placed fourth, while Punjab sit sixth in their group.

For Gill and Jadeja, the Ranji Trophy offers a chance to:

• Regain rhythm in red-ball cricket

• Contribute to their state teams’ progress

• Push for stronger performances ahead of future international assignments

With two senior Indian stars involved, the Punjab vs Saurashtra match promises to be one of the most closely watched fixtures of this phase of the Ranji Trophy.