Shubman Gill made an underwhelming return to domestic red-ball cricket, scoring just 1 run for Punjab against Chhattisgarh on Day 1 of their Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match in New Chandigarh on October 18, 2026. Gill had been added to Punjab's squad as a last-minute inclusion, returning to Ranji Trophy cricket ahead of India's Test series against New Zealand, which begins on November 19.

Gill walked in at No. 4 after Vihaan Malhotra was dismissed on the first ball of the 27th over. He managed a single off the second ball he faced before being bowled by Ajay Mandal on the third ball of the 27th over, having faced just five deliveries in total. Uday Saharan continues to captain Punjab for the Ranji Trophy season despite Gill's presence in the side.

The brief outing comes at a time when Gill has been in strong international form in 2026. Across 15 international matches this year, he has accumulated 1,095 runs at an average of 91.25, including four centuries and six fifties in 15 innings, with a best score of 223 not out against West Indies in the second ODI.

What is Gill's Test form heading into the New Zealand series?

In three Tests this year, Gill has scored 200 runs across four innings at an average of 50.00, with one century and one fifty to his name. Those numbers reflect a solid if not prolific red-ball record in 2026, and his decision to return to Ranji Trophy cricket before the New Zealand Tests underlines the importance he and the team management place on match practice in the longer format.

The New Zealand Test series begins on November 19, giving Gill a window of several weeks to build form and rhythm through domestic cricket before the first Test.

How does Gill's schedule look ahead of the New Zealand tour?

Gill is set to feature in the first three matches of India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which runs from November 4 to 15. After those three ODIs, he will step away from the white-ball leg of the tour to focus on Test preparation, with Shreyas Iyer taking over ODI captaincy for the remaining matches.

Running alongside the senior tour, India A are scheduled to play three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A from October 24 to November 10, providing additional red-ball preparation in the New Zealand conditions for the broader squad.