RANJI TROPHY | Punjab gets a Gill boost as it faces Saurashtra bolstered by Ravindra

Less than two weeks ago, India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill had stressed on the need to prepare better for Test matches. No wonder then hours after India lost the ODI series against New Zealand, Gill joined his Punjab teammates here in a bid to keep his team alive in the race for the Ranji Trophy knockouts qualification.

Group B is far from having its knockout places sealed as the tournament resumes after a two-month break for limited overs action. While Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh lead the race for the top two spots, both Saurashtra and Punjab have an outside chance to pull off a coup.

No wonder then that Gill will lead Punjab against Jaydev Unadkat’s Saurashtra, with veteran Ravindra Jadeja having joined the home team. Gill’s presence adds considerable heft to a contest that already promises quality.

More importantly, it sends a strong message at a time when India’s red-ball structure is being recalibrated after a demanding international calendar. The current set of administrators and selectors have stressed the importance of Test players returning to the Ranji fold, not merely for match-practice but to stay grounded in the rhythms and demands of First Class cricket. Gill, by leading from the front, has chosen to “walk the talk”.

For Punjab, the timing could not be better. While the side has shown flashes of promise this season, consistency has often been elusive. Gill’s return strengthens the batting core and brings with it the calm authority of someone who has recently navigated high-pressure Test environments.

His presence is also expected to have a galvanising effect on the younger batters in the dressing room, many of whom grew up watching him rise through the age-group ranks.

Saurashtra, meanwhile, remains one of the most formidable outfits in domestic cricket, especially on its home turf in Rajkot. Known for its discipline and depth, the host will look to test Gill’s patience. The contest within the contest — Gill versus Saurashtra’s seasoned bowling attack — adds an extra layer of intrigue.