Shubman Gill scores just one run on Ranji Trophy return ahead of New Zealand Tests

Shubman Gill's return to domestic cricket has been underwhelming, netting a mere one run for Punjab against Chhattisgarh in Sunday's Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match. The India Test captain, who is utilizing the tournament to hone his skills ahead of the impending two-match Test series against New Zealand, entered the crease at No. 4 following Vihaan Malhotra's early exit.

Gill's brief stint at the crease was shattered by a Chhattisgarh bowler, Ajay Mandal, who dismissed him on the third ball of the 27th over, leaving Punjab at 68/3. His sole run came off the second ball he faced. Gill's inclusion in Punjab's squad was a last-minute decision, aimed at providing him with valuable red-ball match experience prior to India's Test series against New Zealand, set to commence on November 19.

He is slated to feature in the first three ODIs of the five-match series against New Zealand from November 4 to 15, with Shreyas Iyer assuming the ODI captaincy upon Gill's departure for the Tests. Despite his early exit in the Ranji Trophy, Gill has been in impressive form on the international stage this year. He has amassed 200 runs in four innings at an average of 50.00, including a century and a half-century, in three Tests this year.

His limited-overs performances have been equally impressive, as he has scored 1,095 runs at an average of 91.25, featuring four centuries and six half-centuries across 15 international matches. His highest score during this period is an unbeaten 223 against the West Indies in the second ODI. As the New Zealand Test series looms, Gill will be aiming to rediscover his form in the forthcoming matches and spearhead India in the crucial red-ball encounter.