Gill’s Vijay Hazare Trophy return delayed after bout of food poisoning

India batter Shubman Gill has seen his return to competitive action in the Vijay Hazare Trophy delayed after being sidelined by food poisoning, forcing a short pause in his comeback plans.

Gill was expected to feature early in the tournament as he looked to regain match rhythm, but the illness has ruled him out of immediate selection. Team officials indicated that the decision was precautionary, with medical staff keen to ensure he is fully recovered before being exposed to the demands of competitive cricket.

While food poisoning is typically a short-term setback, the timing is unfortunate for Gill, who was using the Vijay Hazare Trophy as a platform to sharpen his form. Domestic one-day cricket has often played a key role in his development, offering high-quality game time without the intensity of international pressure.

For his state side, Gill’s absence is a blow, particularly given his ability to anchor an innings and control tempo at the top of the order. However, management remain confident that the delay will be brief and that he will rejoin the squad once he has regained full strength.

From a broader perspective, the focus remains on Gill’s long-term fitness rather than rushing him back. With a demanding international schedule ahead, selectors and support staff are wary of taking unnecessary risks, especially when recovery timelines can vary even for relatively common illnesses.

Gill himself is understood to be recovering well and is expected to resume training once cleared by medical staff. A revised timeline for his return will depend on how quickly he regains energy and match readiness.

For now, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will begin without one of its marquee names, but the expectation is that Gill’s return is a matter of when, not if. When he does take the field, the emphasis will be on building momentum steadily, ensuring that a minor illness does not turn into a longer interruption.

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