Twitter Reaction: Shubman Gill dismissed for 1 on Ranji Trophy comeback ahead of New Zealand Series

India captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for just one run on his return to the Ranji Trophy 2026-27, giving Punjab an early setback against Chhattisgarh on October 18. The Shubman Gill Ranji Trophy comeback ended after only five balls when left-arm spinner Ajay Mandal bowled him with a delivery that went straight past his bat. Shubman Gill out for 1 moment has grabbed attention as the Indian captain prepares for the upcoming New Zealand Test series.

Gill returned to Punjab's side hoping to gain valuable red-ball practice before India's next Test assignment. However, the Punjab vs Chhattisgarh Ranji Trophy match did not go as planned for the star batter, who was dismissed after coming in at 65/2. Fans are now discussing the Shubman Gill wicket video and asking how Ajay Mandal managed to get the better of India's Test captain.

Shubman Gill out for 1 vs Chhattisgarh: What happened on his Ranji Trophy return

The Shubman Gill Ranji Trophy appearance was an important opportunity to prepare for international red-ball cricket. Gill missed Punjab's opening match against Assam, which ended in a draw, before returning for the second game against Chhattisgarh. However, his Shubman Gill Ranji Trophy comeback lasted only five deliveries.

The key moment came on the third ball of the 27th over when Ajay Mandal bowled a sharp delivery. Gill played for the turn, but the ball went straight past his bat and pad before crashing into the stumps. The Shubman Gill dismissed moment left the Indian captain disappointed as he walked back after scoring just 1 off 5 balls.

Watch Shubman Gill's dismissal video here-

The early dismissal is a setback for Gill as he looks to build form before the Shubman Gill New Zealand series. India are scheduled to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series, with the opening match reportedly set for November 19 in Wellington. A strong Shubman Gill Punjab vs Chhattisgarh performance would have provided useful preparation ahead of the World Test Championship fixtures.

See Also: Explained: Why Shubman Gill won’t captain India in the last two ODIs against New Zealand

Who is Ajay Mandal, the Delhi Capitals bowler who dismissed Shubman Gill?

The Ajay Mandal Shubman Gill dismissal has brought fresh attention to the experienced Chhattisgarh spinner. Mandal made his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2016-17 season and has been a regular player for his state over the years. He also became the first player to take 100 wickets for Chhattisgarh in the Ranji Trophy.

Ajay Mandal has taken 225 wickets across 163 innings for Chhattisgarh in all formats. Mandal is also a useful batter, with a highest score of 241 in the Ranji Trophy and more than 2,000 runs across domestic cricket.

Mandal has also featured in the IPL, joining Chennai Super Kings in 2023 before moving to Delhi Capitals in 2025. Although he is still waiting to make his IPL debut, the Delhi Capitals bowler who dismissed Shubman Gill is now attracting attention for his domestic performances. His wicket could become a memorable moment in the Punjab vs Chhattisgarh Ranji Trophy, while Gill will look to bounce back before the New Zealand series.

See also: Shubman Gill makes history with fifth ICC Player of the Month Award, surpasses Kohli and Bumrah

Twitter Reactions: How fans reacted to Shubman Gill’s dismissal for 1

Fans across India reacted with surprise and disappointment after Shubman Gill was dismissed for just one run on his Ranji Trophy comeback against Chhattisgarh, sharing their reactions on social media.