India’s star opener Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the tournament due to illness. Gill, who was originally named captain of the North Zone squad, will now be replaced by vice-captain Ankit Kumar, who steps up to lead the side.
The Duleep Trophy, scheduled from August 28 to September 15 in Bengaluru, will see North Zone face East Zone in the quarterfinals at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Gill’s absence was anticipated, as his national commitments for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE—starting September 9—would have limited his participation to just the opening match.
Gill recently returned from a stellar tour of England, where he amassed 754 runs in five Tests during the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. His form earned him a spot in India’s Twenty20 squad for the Asia Cup, where he will serve as vice-captain.
Selectors had earlier named Shubham Rohilla as Gill’s replacement, ensuring the squad remains balanced despite the last-minute change in leadership.
