NEW DELHI: India Test captain Shubman Gill expressed his interest in playing the Duleep Trophy match despite being reportedly down with fever. Latest reports suggest that Gill aims to set the right example as part of India's leadership group. He has been appointed captain of the North Zone side for the tournament.
According to a RevSportz report, Gill is optimistic about featuring in North Zone's opening clash against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy play-off on August 28. If cleared by the BCCI's medical team, the young skipper is reportedly ready to step back into action in the tournament opener.
Earlier this year, the BCCI issued a 10-point directive mandating all senior players to participate in domestic tournaments unless sidelined by injury.
For Gill, even if he had featured, his availability would have been restricted to North Zone's opening match, as he is set to join the national squad for the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE. The Duleep Trophy itself is scheduled from August 28 to September 15.
Anticipating Gill's likely absence, North Zone selectors had already prepared backup plans when naming the squad. Shubham Rohilla was drafted in as his replacement, while Ankit Kumar, initially appointed vice-captain, was elevated to captaincy.
