Gill to feature for Punjab in second round of Ranji Trophy

Gill is understood to be keen to get some match practice in the red-ball format ahead of his departure to New Zealand for the ODI series that runs from November 4 to 15. Gill's availability in that series, however, will be limited to just the first three ODIs before he hands over the captaincy to Shreyas Iyer to prepare for the two Tests that follow.

India's tour runs alongside the shadow tour, with India A playing three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A. While Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are part of the squad for all three games, Gill will miss the opportunity to feature even in one game as planned earlier, since the third unofficial Test runs from November 7-10 - alongside the second and third ODIs.

It's likely Gill will continue batting at No. 4 for Punjab, which could mean Jashanpreet Sidhu makes way. The batting line-up also comprises Prabhsimran Singh, who missed last week's season opener against Assam due to his India A commitments. Prabhsimran made 39 and 17 in the two innings against Australia A in Puducherry.

Punjab secured three points on the back of a first-innings lead against Assam, with Vihaan Malhotra, Emanjot Chahal and Salil Arora hitting centuries. The match also marked Umesh Yadav's return to first-class cricket after more than two years. Having moved from Vidarbha prior to the season, Umesh picked up 5 for 70 - his 16th first-class five-for.

Punjab squad: Harnoor Pannu, Vihaan Malhotra, Shubman Gill, Uday Saharan (capt), Jashanpreet Sidhu, Salil Arora (wk), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Ramandeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Emanjot Chahal, Harjas Tandon, Gurnoor Brar, Gursimran Singh, Sanvir Singh, Umesh Yadav