It was supposed to be a triumphant return. Shubman Gill, fresh off international duty, was set to lead Punjab’s charge in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Sikkim in Jaipur. Instead, Mother Nature had other plans—and a thick blanket of winter fog left one of India’s most elegant batters stranded and his team without its marquee player on the field.
The Shubman Gill fog delay saga is more than just a travel hiccup—it’s a stark reminder of how unpredictable logistics in Indian domestic cricket can be, especially during the winter months. Yet, in his absence, Punjab still sent a powerful message, crushing Sikkim with a commanding performance led by none other than Arshdeep Singh.
Table of Contents
- How Fog Derailed Shubman Gill’s Much-Anticipated Return
- Punjab vs Sikkim: A One-Sided Affair Without Their Star
- Arshdeep Singh’s Masterclass: The Real Hero of the Day
- Why Winter Fog Is a Recurring Nightmare for Indian Cricket
- What’s Next for Gill and Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
- Conclusion: Resilience Over Roster Headlines
- Sources
How Fog Derailed Shubman Gill’s Much-Anticipated Return
Gill, who has been a consistent performer for India across formats, was scheduled to rejoin the Punjab squad in Jaipur for their Group C fixture against Sikkim. But heavy fog at Chandigarh’s airport—common during North India’s winter—led to the cancellation of his flight from Mohali not once, but twice.
By the time he finally reached Jaipur, it was past 2 a.m.—long after the match had begun. To add insult to injury, his cricket kit arrived even later, making any last-minute inclusion logistically impossible .
This isn’t just about one missed game. For a player of Gill’s caliber, every domestic appearance is a chance to fine-tune form, mentor younger teammates, and reinforce team culture. The Shubman Gill fog delay robbed Punjab of that leadership on the field—even if not on the scorecard.
Punjab vs Sikkim: A One-Sided Affair Without Their Star
Despite the high-profile absence, Punjab didn’t miss a beat. Sikkim, batting first, were bundled out for just 97 runs in 33.4 overs—a performance that highlighted the gulf between established state teams and newer entrants in India’s domestic circuit.
Punjab’s chase was clinical. Openers laid a solid foundation, and the middle order finished the job in just 18.1 overs, securing a comprehensive 8-wicket victory. While Gill’s elegant cover drives were absent, the team’s depth and discipline shone through.
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Arshdeep Singh’s Masterclass: The Real Hero of the Day
If there’s one name that dominated the headlines from this match, it was Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm pacer, fresh off his heroics in international cricket, returned to domestic duty with a bang—claiming a sensational five-wicket haul (5/22 in 8.4 overs).
His spell was a clinic in line, length, and swing in helpful conditions. He dismantled Sikkim’s top order with precision and maintained relentless pressure throughout. In Gill’s absence, Arshdeep didn’t just fill the void—he owned the day.
This performance also sends a strong message to the national selectors: Arshdeep is not just in form—he’s peaking at the right time.
Why Winter Fog Is a Recurring Nightmare for Indian Cricket
The Shubman Gill fog delay is far from an isolated incident. Every winter, especially from December to January, North Indian airports—Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar—grind to a halt due to low visibility. This creates a logistical nightmare for:
- Domestic teams crisscrossing the country for tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy.
- International players transitioning between national duty and state commitments.
- Tournament schedulers trying to maintain fairness and competitive integrity.
The BCCI has long debated shifting the domestic calendar or using centralised venues during winter months, but with over 38 teams in the fray, it’s a complex puzzle. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, fog-related disruptions have affected at least a dozen high-profile domestic fixtures since 2020.
What’s Next for Gill and Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
While the fog may have delayed Gill, it hasn’t derailed Punjab’s campaign. With a dominant win under their belt and Arshdeep in red-hot form, they’re firm favorites to top Group C. Gill is expected to join the squad for their next match, and his presence will be crucial in tougher contests ahead.
For fans tracking the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 updates, Punjab’s blend of international stars and hungry domestic performers makes them one of the most exciting teams to watch—fog or no fog.
Conclusion: Resilience Over Roster Headlines
The story of Punjab’s match against Sikkim wasn’t about who was missing—it was about who stepped up. The Shubman Gill fog delay became a subplot, not the main event. In a sport where adaptability is key, Punjab showed exactly why they’re perennial contenders: depth, discipline, and a never-say-die attitude—even when the skies won’t clear.
As winter deepens, expect more travel drama. But if teams play like Punjab did in Jaipur, the show will always go on.
Sources
- Times of India: Fog-hit travel derails Shubman Gill’s return for Punjab in Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Web search results on winter fog disruptions in North Indian cricket [[1], [2], [4], [5]].
- Web search results on Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 match schedule and results .