Punjab were forced to take the field without their biggest batting star, Shubman Gill, in their Round Five Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Sikkim in Jaipur on Saturday, after the India batter was ruled out due to food poisoning.

Gill, who was expected to make his return to domestic cricket in the 50-over tournament, was not named in Punjab’s playing XI, triggering speculation around his absence. Team sources later confirmed that the 25-year-old fell ill and was advised rest by the medical staff, delaying his comeback by at least one match.

Both Gill and India pacer Arshdeep Singh were scheduled to rejoin the Punjab squad for this fixture. While Arshdeep reached Jaipur on Friday and was included in the XI, Gill’s sudden illness meant Punjab had to reshuffle their batting plans at the last moment.

The match itself has drawn limited attention due to the unusual conditions surrounding the venue. The Punjab vs Sikkim encounter is being played at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya ground in Jaipur, a facility located within a school campus.

With no proper seating arrangements and only a small gallery reserved for officials, the game is being held behind closed doors, with no live streaming or broadcast available for fans.

Gill’s absence comes at a time when his domestic return was keenly awaited, particularly as he looks to regain rhythm through white-ball cricket. Punjab team management is hopeful the setback is minor and that the star batter will be available for upcoming matches once he recovers fully from the illness.