Shubman Gill's exclusion from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad has ignited a storm of debate, with many questioning the selectors' decision. The young batter's omission has been dubbed a "lesson for the selectors," with critics suggesting he "did nothing to prove that he's sensational" in the T20 format.
Gill's recent T20I performances have come under scrutiny. Since returning to the T20I side during the Asia Cup, where he was also vice-captain, he has struggled to replicate his consistent Test and ODI form. In 15 T20 matches, Gill managed just 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137, failing to score a single half-century, with a highest score of 47. In his last 14 T20I appearances, he averaged 24.63 with 271 runs. In the recent series against South Africa, he scored only 32 runs across three innings.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited team combinations as the primary reason for Gill's exclusion. He stated the need to strengthen the top order with an additional wicket-keeper, leading to Gill's omission. India selected Ishan Kishan, who had a strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, and Sanju Samson as the two wicket-keepers in the squad. T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed this, emphasizing balance over individual form. He noted the desire for a keeper at the top and flexibility down the order with players like Rinku Singh or Washington Sundar. "It's not about form, it's about combination," Yadav explained.
However, some reports suggest the decision was influenced by the nature of the pitches expected for the T20 World Cup 2026, with selectors prioritizing power hitters over Gill. There are claims that Gill wasn't informed about his removal until the squad announcement. A source said that the decision to drop Gill was made when the fourth T20 International was called off due to smog.
Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise at Gill's omission, pointing to his fabulous season after the 2024 T20 World Cup. He acknowledged Gill's struggles in South Africa but emphasized that "class is permanent, and form is temporary". Gavaskar suggested that Gill's natural game is more suited for Test cricket, making it harder for him to attack from the start in T20s. Robin Uthappa noted that Gill's T20 approach has been "a bit confusing" and suggested he should play the role of an anchor.
Despite the official reasons, Gill's exclusion has fueled speculation about other factors at play. Some fans believe that Gautam Gambhir influenced the decision, while others point to Gill's underwhelming T20I form. The decision to drop Gill, despite being named vice-captain ahead of the Asia Cup, suggests a course correction by the selectors.
Gill's T20I stats reveal inconsistency. Since the 2024 World Cup, he has scored 291 runs in 15 matches at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26. While his strike rate is decent, the lack of substantial scores has raised concerns. In contrast, Hardik Pandya has excelled since the 2024 World Cup, averaging 85.25 with both bat and ball.
The decision to exclude Gill highlights the importance of adaptability and performance in the fast-paced T20 format. While Gill has proven his mettle in Tests and ODIs, his T20I form has not been up to par. As he looks ahead, Gill will need to reassess his approach to T20 cricket and demonstrate his ability to consistently score runs at a high strike rate to reclaim his spot in the Indian T20I side.
