The Indian team management has decided to allow the benched players to play domestic cricket as they have released Shubman Gill from the Test squad to be part of Punjab’s Super League campaign in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rishabh Pant has also been released and he will play for Delhi, who play their next two matches on November 24 and 27.
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Before joining the Test squad, Gill captained Punjab in two matches in which he scored 72 runs. After he left to join the Test squad, Mandeep Singh took over the captaincy. Punjab play Karnataka (November 24), Tamil Nadu (November 25) and Mumbai (November 27) in their next three Super League matches and will be bolstered by the comeback of their star player.
Gill had earned his maiden Test call-up for South Africa series. With Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal doing well in four Tests they have opened together, Gill did not get his debut cap. His wait is set to be extended till 2020 as India next play a Test series in New Zealand.
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Rohit and Mayank will start the proceedings and will likely keep their spots in both the Tests. Gill can only get a chance if one of these two is dropped. He is third opener in the pecking order.
The team management has not called any backup for Gill as Hanuma Vihari is a part of the Test squad. Although KS Bharat will join the Test team today as back up for Rishabh as India will need a wicketkeeper if Wriddhiman Saha sits out due to any reason.
Gill isn’t a part of the limited-overs series against West Indies and will continue to play for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. Mayank Agarwal, after the Test match, will also play for his state team in the Ranji Trophy and might join the team for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as soon as Monday; if the ongoing Test match gets over on day 2 or early on day 3.