In a significant selection decision, star batter Shubman Gill has been left out of India's 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The announcement, made on Saturday, has sparked widespread discussion, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar directly addressing the reasons behind the omission of the former T20I vice-captain.
Agarkar's Verdict: A Matter of Form and Balance
Addressing the media, Ajit Agarkar acknowledged Gill's undeniable talent but pointed to a recent dip in performance as a key factor. "We know what a quality player he is, but, perhaps short of a little bit of runs at the moment," Agarkar stated. He emphasized that the selection committee's primary focus was on finding the right team combinations for the global tournament, where India will defend its title starting February 7.
Agarkar elaborated that Gill's recent statistics played a part in the tough call. In the just-concluded T20I series against South Africa, Gill managed scores of 4, 0, and 28 before missing the fifth match due to an injury. His extended lean phase in the shortest format this year ultimately influenced the decision.
The 'Keeper at the Top' Combination
The former India pacer specifically highlighted the team's strategy of wanting a wicket-keeper to bat in the top order. "We are looking at the combination. If the keeper is going to bat at the top, at the moment Jitesh is there and he has not done too much wrong," Agarkar explained. This tactical shift effectively reduced the available slots for specialist openers, impacting Gill's chances.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who led the side during the South Africa series, echoed the selector's sentiment. He clarified that the move was purely strategic and not a reflection of Gill's form. "We wanted to have a keeper at the top and Rinku or Washy (down the order), which is why we have an extra keeper at the top. There is no question of (Gill’s) form," Suryakumar said.
Suryakumar Backs Himself Amidst Lean Patch
The press conference also saw Suryakumar Yadav addressing his own prolonged struggle with the bat in T20Is this year, where his average has been around 15. Expressing unwavering self-belief, the skipper assured that he would return to his explosive best in time for the World Cup.
"I know what to do and I will do it. You will definitely see Surya the batter but this phase has lasted a little longer. Other players have also bounced back in form in the past," he asserted, drawing confidence from the comebacks of other cricketers.
This marks the second consecutive T20 World Cup where Shubman Gill has been overlooked, having missed the 2024 edition as well due to similar combination-based decisions. The selectors have opted for Ishan Kishan as the additional wicket-keeping option alongside Jitesh Sharma, fitting into the desired top-order role.
