Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma headline Punjab’s 18-man squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

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The cricketing season is in full swing, and as teams gear up for the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy, Punjab has made a significant statement with its squad announcement. On December 22, 2025, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) released an formidable 18-member lineup, brimming with a blend of international experience, IPL firepower, and promising young talent. This year, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Punjab as they aim to clinch the coveted limited-overs title, and their squad selection strongly indicates their serious intent.

Punjab’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is a testament to the depth of cricketing talent in the state. The selectors have clearly prioritized a balanced side, featuring explosive batters, reliable wicketkeepers, and a diverse bowling attack.

The batting department looks particularly strong, anchored by some of the biggest names in Indian cricket. Shubman Gill, a consistent performer across formats and the current captain of India’s ODI team, leads the charge. His presence alone adds immense gravitas and class to the top order. Joining him is the dynamic Abhishek Sharma, whose all-round capabilities and aggressive batting style have made him a force to be reckoned with in white-ball cricket.

The squad also includes promising young talents like Harnoor Pannu and Anmolpreet Singh, who will be eager to make their mark. Uday Saharan, a rising star, and experienced campaigners like Naman Dhir, Sanvir Singh, and Ramandeep Singh add depth and flexibility, providing crucial all-round options with both bat and ball.

Punjab have opted for two capable wicketkeeping options: Prabhsimran Singh and Salil Arora. Both are known for their clean glovework and ability to contribute with the bat, offering strategic flexibility depending on match conditions and team requirements.

The bowling unit is equally impressive, featuring a mix of pace and spin that can trouble any opposition. The spearhead of the pace attack is undoubtedly Arshdeep Singh, whose left-arm swing and death-overs expertise make him a vital asset. He is complemented by the likes of Gurnoor Brar, Jashanpreet Singh, and Sukhdeep Bajwa, who will be looking to make an impact.

In the spin department, Harpreet Brar brings his valuable left-arm orthodox spin, known for his control and ability to pick up crucial wickets. He is joined by Raghu Sharma, Krish Bhagat, and Gourav Choudhary, ensuring a varied spin attack capable of exploiting different pitch conditions.

The inclusion of Gill, Abhishek, and Arshdeep is a massive boost for Punjab. However, their full availability throughout the tournament remains subject to their national commitments. India are slated to play an ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, starting January 11, 2026. This potential conflict could see these key players miss a significant portion of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, posing a challenge for the team management. Their presence, even for a few games, will undoubtedly lift the team’s morale and performance.

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One of the interesting aspects of the squad announcement is the absence of a designated captain. While Gill, given his experience as India’s ODI captain, would be a natural choice, his potential national duties might make the PCA hesitant to name him upfront. This leaves an intriguing leadership question open, which will likely be addressed closer to the tournament’s start or perhaps on a match-by-match basis, depending on player availability.

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