The Vijay Hazare Trophy is set to receive a major boost in star power in the New Year, with Indian internationals Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja confirming their availability for upcoming league matches of the domestic 50-over tournament.
The trio have informed their respective state associations of their intention to play, in line with the BCCI’s mandate for national players to fulfil domestic commitments, even as the Indian team prepares for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, is expected to turn out for Punjab in their January 3 and January 6 fixtures against Sikkim and Goa in Jaipur. Punjab, placed fourth in Group C with two wins from three matches, will see Gill depart soon after to rejoin the national squad, which is scheduled to assemble in Baroda on January 7–8 ahead of the first ODI on January 11.
Ravindra Jadeja has conveyed his availability to the Saurashtra Cricket Association and is set to play the January 6 and 8 matches against Services and Gujarat in Alur, Karnataka. Saurashtra currently sit sixth in their eight-team group, which also features Rishabh Pant-led Delhi.
While the Karnataka State Cricket Association is yet to officially confirm KL Rahul’s schedule, sources indicate that the senior batter is likely to feature in Karnataka’s January 3 and 6 matches against Tripura and Rajasthan in Ahmedabad. Karnataka are currently second in Group A with a perfect record from three games.
Most Indian internationals — including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant — have already featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season. Jasprit Bumrah remains the notable exception, with the BCCI managing his workload carefully.
Kohli, who has already played two matches, is set to return for Delhi’s January 6 fixture, with Pant committing to play all league games for the side.
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