The exclusion of Shubman Gill from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad has sparked considerable debate, with former India captain Sunil Gavaskar offering words of advice and support to the young batter. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad on December 20, 2025, with Axar Patel named as vice-captain in place of Gill.
Gavaskar admitted he was genuinely surprised by Gill's omission. Speaking on air, he stated that it was unexpected, emphasizing Gill's talent and past performances. While acknowledging Gill's recent struggles in the T20 format, Gavaskar maintained that "class is permanent". He pointed to Gill's successful run in the IPL as proof of his T20 credentials.
Gavaskar shared that he traveled from Ahmedabad on the same flight as Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav. During their interaction, Gavaskar offered Gill some heartfelt advice, suggesting he seek a traditional blessing to ward off any perceived bad luck. "Ghar pe kisiko bolo nazar utar de," Gavaskar reportedly told Gill, explaining that he believes in the power of warding off the evil eye. He clarified that his advice came from a place of care and goodwill for the young player.
Gavaskar also addressed Gill's recent form, noting that he appeared short of timing after returning from a long layoff. He explained that Gill's natural game is more suited to longer formats, where timing and ground strokes are key. Adjusting to the aggressive nature of T20 cricket can be challenging when rhythm is lacking. However, Gavaskar reiterated that this doesn't mean Gill is unsuited to the format, highlighting his strong IPL performances.
According to reports, the decision to exclude Gill stemmed from a combination of factors, including team balance and pitch conditions. Selectors prioritized power hitters like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, especially considering the expectation that pitches will become slower as the tournament progresses. This led to a preference for players who can maximize runs in the powerplay. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that the decision was based on finding the best combinations for the team. He also mentioned that Gill remains a quality player and a key figure in India's future plans. Suryakumar Yadav echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that selections were driven by roles and structure rather than short-term form.
