There is speculation about Shubman Gill playing the 5th Test in Sydney, and amid, a major news story involving him has emerged from India. The Gujarat CID has summoned Shubman Gill and three other Gujarat Titans players—Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, and Mohit Sharma—for questioning in connection with a ₹450 crore fraud case.
Shubman Gill Summoned By Gujarat CID
During the interrogation of ponzi scheme kingpin Bhupendrasinh Zala, he reportedly confessed that some cricketers had invested in the scheme which he has not returned to them. He named four Gujarat Titans players in his statement. According to the report, Shubman Gill had invested ₹1.95 crore in the scheme, while the other three players invested smaller amounts.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (CID) Parikshita Rathod said that Himmatnagar-based Bhupendrasinh Zala collected ₹450 crore from over 11,000 investors and identified Gill as one of the key 10 investors who contributed over ₹1 crore. Between 2020 and 2024, Zala set up 17 offices across Gujarat under the name BZ Financial Services. Through this firm, he promised investors an annual return of 36%, which attracted investments.
Rathod revealed that Zala used the investment money to purchase assets worth ₹100 crore, including both movable and immovable assets, but failed to return the promised money to investors. He had been evading the police for a month before being caught on December 27 in the Mehsana district. Zala will remain in police custody until January 4.
Shubman Gill May Play Sydney Test
Shubman Gill is currently part of the Indian Test squad in Sydney and may meet the Gujarat CID for questioning only after the Sydney Test. Reports suggest he could feature in the SCG Test, possibly replacing Rohit Sharma. Rohit has struggled with poor batting form, scoring only 31 runs in three matches, and has also faced criticism for his captaincy. Under his leadership, India has lost two matches and drawn one in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
ALSO READ: How Can India Qualify for the WTC 2025 Final After Melbourne Test Loss? Explained
Reports indicate that in Rohit’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah will take over the captaincy. Bumrah had led India to victory in the first match of the series. However, nothing has been finalized yet. Gautam Gambhir avoided giving a direct answer to questions about the lineup, stating that the playing XI would only be decided before the toss.