Shubman Gill's exclusion from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad has sparked considerable debate, not only for the omission itself but also for the manner in which the young cricketer was informed. According to reports, Gill was kept in the dark about the decision until shortly before the official squad announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Gill, who had been serving as the vice-captain in the T20I format and opening the innings, was reportedly surprised by the decision. Sources indicate that he was informed of his exclusion just hours before the BCCI revealed the squad for the T20 World Cup and the preceding series against New Zealand. This late notice reportedly left Gill with little time to process the news or seek clarification.
Reports suggest that Gill was traveling from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh when he received the news. While the identity of the person who conveyed the decision remains unclear, it is believed that Gill was informed while in transit, moments before the public announcement.
The decision to exclude Gill was purportedly made earlier in the week, allegedly on Wednesday when the fourth T20 International was called off due to smog. Despite this, neither the chairman of selectors, nor captain Suryakumar Yadav, nor head coach Gautam Gambhir informed Gill until Saturday morning.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Gill's omission was primarily due to team combination considerations and a need to strengthen the top order with an additional wicket-keeper. He also acknowledged Gill's recent struggles with form, noting that he had been "short of runs". Selectors were also reportedly influenced by the T20 World Cup pitch conditions, and prioritized power hitters like Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan over Gill. Agarkar stressed that the decision was not a reflection of Gill's overall ability, emphasizing that "it's more about the combinations you want them playing".
Gill's recent form in T20Is has been inconsistent. In his last 15 T20Is, he managed to score only 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26. In the recent series against South Africa, he scored just 32 runs in three games. Furthermore, a right foot injury sustained during net practice ahead of the fourth T20I forced him to miss the game, potentially impacting his chances.
Former cricketer Dinesh Karthik expressed surprise at Gill's exclusion, highlighting the "lack of clarity" in the decision-making process. He also noted that Gill had been backed by the team management for a considerable period, making his sudden omission all the more unexpected.
The squad includes Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson as wicket-keeping options, with the latter having opened in a recent match against South Africa. Rinku Singh, known for his finishing abilities, has also been included in the squad. India will co-host the T20 World Cup 2026 with Sri Lanka, with their campaign commencing on February 7 against the United States.
