Security Fears Force Shubman Gill’s Vijay Hazare Return Behind Closed Doors

Following the precedent set by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earlier in the tournament, Gill’s return to competitive cricket against Sikkim and Goa on Saturday, January 3, 2026, will be held behind closed doors. The decision stems from significant security concerns and a lack of adequate crowd-control infrastructure at the smaller venues.

Venue Logistics and Security Measures

While Rohit Sharma’s presence previously forced a venue shift to the high-capacity Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Gill’s fixtures are scheduled at more intimate grounds:

• The Matchups: Punjab faces Sikkim at a local college ground and Goa at the KL Saini Stadium.
• Restricted Access: A BCCI source confirmed that while college students and staff may be present, no “outsiders” or general public will be permitted.
• Private Security: To manage the anticipated interest, private bouncers have been deployed alongside local police to secure the perimeter.
• No Broadcast: In another blow to fans, the matches will not be telecast or live-streamed, mirroring the “blackout” experienced during Kohli’s recent domestic appearances.

Gill’s “Rehabilitation” and Quest for Form

For Shubman Gill, these VHT games are more than just domestic fixtures; they are a vital path back to rhythm following a challenging period:

1. Injury Recovery: Gill spent the last week at the PCA Stadium in Mohali undergoing rehabilitation for an injury sustained during a nets session in Lucknow during the T20I series against South Africa.
2. World Cup Snub: The captain recently faced a major professional setback after being dropped from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with selectors favoring Sanju Samson due to Gill’s recent dip in T20 form.
3. Trio of Stars: Gill will be joined by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who is also featuring for Punjab to maintain match fitness ahead of the New Zealand series.

Travel Woes: Both Gill and Arshdeep faced delays reaching Jaipur due to the dense fog and “prevailing weather conditions” currently affecting flight schedules across North India. They were expected to land late Friday night to be ready for the Saturday morning toss.

Comparison: Star Appearances in VHT 2025-26