The Vijay Hazare Trophy is set to gain major star appeal in the New Year as Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja prepare to feature in the ongoing List A tournament. The domestic appearances come as part of the players’ preparation for India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
For Gill, the tournament marks his first competitive outing since being left out of India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, making his return particularly significant.
Gill Confirms Two Matches for Punjab
According to a report by Cricbuzz, Gill has confirmed his availability to the Punjab Cricket Association following the BCCI’s directive making domestic participation mandatory after the conclusion of the 2025 international calendar.
The India Test and ODI captain will play:
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January 3 vs Sikkim
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January 6 vs Goa
Both matches will be held in Jaipur. Punjab currently sit fourth in Group C, which also includes strong contenders such as Mumbai. The team has won two of its three matches so far.
Gill is expected to join the Indian ODI squad in Baroda on January 7–8, ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11.
Ravindra Jadeja to Turn Out for Saurashtra
Ravindra Jadeja, who returned to ODIs during India’s recent home series against South Africa, has also confirmed his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The all-rounder will represent Saurashtra in:
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January 6 vs Services
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January 8 vs Gujarat
Saurashtra are currently sixth in their eight-team group, with one win from three matches. All their league fixtures are being played in Alur, Karnataka, in a group that also features Rishabh Pant-led Delhi.
KL Rahul Likely to Play for Karnataka
While the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is yet to officially confirm KL Rahul’s availability, reports suggest he could feature in:
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January 3 vs Tripura
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January 6 vs Rajasthan
Both matches are scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad. Karnataka have made a strong start to the tournament, winning all three of their league matches so far.
Domestic Cricket Gains Momentum
With senior international players returning to domestic competitions, the Vijay Hazare Trophy is emerging as a crucial platform for match practice, form assessment, and preparation ahead of a busy international season.
