In a surprising turn of events, Shubman Gill was left out of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, despite being a vice-captain earlier in the year. His exclusion comes as part of a strategic decision based on recent form, injury setbacks, and team combinations.
Ajit Agarkar explains the reasons behind Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad
BCCI Chairman of Selectors, Ajit Agarkar, shared insights into the rationale behind the choice, shedding light on the factors influencing the selection.
“Obviously, Shubman was the vice-captain, and with him not in the team, we had to appoint someone else. Axar Patel had already stepped in as vice-captain when Shubman was unavailable, and we’ve decided to continue with that role,” Agarkar explained.
Despite being a key player in India’s setup, Gill’s struggles with form were the primary reason behind his exclusion. His recent scores 4, 0, and 28 in the South Africa series didn’t meet the team’s expectations. Gill, who had been recovering from a neck sprain, missed several matches and couldn’t regain his momentum in T20Is. “We know he is a quality player, but with his ongoing injury issues and the lack of substantial runs, it became difficult to select him,” Agarkar remarked. This series of challenges, coupled with inconsistent performances, led to his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad.
The BCCI’s focus was not just on individual performances but also on crafting an ideal team combination. Agarkar further explained, “We were looking for certain combinations, and having two wicketkeepers at the top was one of the key strategies. Players like Rinku Singh were included to strengthen the middle order, offering more depth.” This strategic shift resulted in the decision to omit Gill despite his previous contributions to the team.
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Suryakumar Yadav on role fixation and team management’s approach
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav supported Agarkar’s stance, emphasizing the importance of role clarity. “We have fixed roles for players now, with Tilak Varma at number 3 and myself at number 4. The left-right combination is somewhat overrated,” Yadav said. The team’s emphasis is on stability, with players like Varma and Yadav securing key spots in the batting lineup.
Gill’s omission is not a reflection of his lack of ability but more about the balance of the squad. “Sometimes, the team management needs to make tough choices, and in this case, Shubman had to miss out. It’s not because he’s not a good player, but because of the combinations we want to play,” Agarkar explained. The inclusion of players like Rinku Singh, who add depth to the lower middle order, meant there was no space for Gill in the 15-player squad.
In line with the team management’s thinking, Agarkar further highlighted the need for balance in the squad. “When selecting a team, it’s not just about one or two players but how the team as a whole fits together. Having another keeper at the top provides us with options and flexibility elsewhere in the lineup,” Agarkar concluded. This strategic move was essential for India to play with a balanced combination, and unfortunately, it meant that Gill had to be left out.
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