Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has voiced his empathy for Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma following their exclusion from India's squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Uthappa described Indian cricket as a "strange place," highlighting the unpredictability that can leave players heartbroken.
Gill's omission is particularly surprising, considering his role as captain of the Test and ODI sides. Uthappa believed that even if Gill wasn't selected as vice-captain, he would still secure a spot in the team, potentially as a third opener. Gill's recent T20I performance saw him score 291 runs in 15 matches, averaging 24.25 with a strike rate of 137.26. However, a string of low scores, including just 32 runs in three matches against South Africa, and an injury that sidelined him for the final game seemingly led to his exclusion.
Jitesh Sharma's exclusion also raised eyebrows, especially since Uthappa believes he "did nothing wrong" and has performed "exceptionally well". The justification for the selections, according to Uthappa, seems legitimate, though he still feels for both players. With Ishan Kishan selected as the backup opener and wicketkeeper, both Gill and Jitesh were ousted from the side.
Uthappa conveyed his empathy, stating that anyone who has played cricket understands the disappointment Gill and Sharma must be feeling. He urged them to take time to process the decision and return stronger, emphasizing that their talent and unique qualities for Indian cricket remain undiminished by this setback. He advised them to go back to the drawing board and "be authentically you".
While acknowledging the strength of the selected squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Uthappa expressed concern about the larger message sent by these decisions. He believes such unpredictability can create insecurity within the ranks. Despite his reservations, Uthappa remains optimistic about the team's potential, saying, "This team will do special things".
Uthappa also noted the surprising nature of team selections, pointing to Sanju Samson's return to the top order alongside Abhishek Sharma. He questioned the predictability of team management's decisions, wondering if Kishan or Samson will ultimately open, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the team's strategy. Gill's exclusion has resulted in Axar Patel being named as Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in T20Is.
