India’s announcement of its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered intense discussion across the cricketing world. With one decision dominating all conversations: the exclusion of Shubman Gill. Surprises are nothing new when World Cup squads are revealed.
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Leaving out one of India’s most high-profile batters, and a recent T20I vice-captain at that, has raised eyebrows. And led to questions about selection clarity, communication, and long-term planning. With less than two months to go before the tournament begins, India unveiled what it called its final squad.
Several selections sparked debate, but Gill’s omission stood out as the most shocking. The right-hander had been a regular part of India’s T20 setup in recent years and was brought back into the side during the Asia Cup 2025, where he featured prominently. Given his stature and leadership role, many expected him to be a near certainty for the World Cup.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and newly appointed captain Suryakumar Yadav explained. That Gill’s recent struggles in T20 cricket played a role in the decision. However, what intensified the controversy was the suggestion that Gill may not have been informed of his exclusion beforehand.
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T20 World Cup 2026: Gill Omission Brings Transparency Into Focus
According to a report by The Times of India, Gill was not told about the decision before the official announcement. Despite having just returned from India’s T20I tour of South Africa, which concluded a day earlier. The report claimed Gill found out about his omission only moments before a meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
A BCCI official later offered a slightly different account, saying Gill had been spoken to ahead of the meeting. While the details of that conversation were not disclosed, the official said the selection panel explained the combination-based reasoning behind the call. It’s unfortunate for him, but at the end of the day, you need the best combination for the World Cup, the official said.
Suryakumar Yadav also addressed the issue, making it clear that the decision was not a reflection of Gill’s ability or overall quality as a batter. Instead, he said, it came down to tactical balance and the type of combinations the team management wants heading into the tournament.
He pointed out that Gill had played a role in strong team performances in the recent past. Including a 200-run total in a match against Sri Lanka shortly after Suryakumar officially took over as captain. The India skipper stressed that the focus was on flexibility rather than individual reputations.
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T20 World Cup Final: India Priorities Flexibility and Balance
According to him, the team wanted specific options at the top of the order, including a wicketkeeper who could open the batting. As well as middle-order players who provide different skill sets. Names like Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar were mentioned as players who allow India to experiment with multiple winning combinations depending on conditions and opposition.
Suryakumar reiterated that the management was thinking beyond the short-term form. We’re talking about quality here, he said, describing Gill as a terrific player with undeniable talent. However, he explained that the current squad was built to offer depth, adaptability, and balance. The selectors believe are crucial to winning a T20 World Cup.
In the wake of Gill’s exclusion, India named Axar Patel as the vice-captain for the tournament. Sanju Samson, who had previously been left out of some T20I matches, has been reinstated. As an opener after a strong run of form, highlighted by three T20I centuries over the past year.
Rinku Singh has also earned a place in the squad, strengthening the middle order with his aggressive batting and finishing ability. Despite the disappointment, Gill’s World Cup journey may not be over yet. ICC regulations allow teams to make changes to their squads until January 31.
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