The selection of India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, to be held on home soil, has triggered a wave of criticism and debate, primarily focusing on the exclusion of Shubman Gill and the late elevation of Axar Patel as vice-captain. Initial reports suggested Gill was a certainty, even being considered for the leadership role, but a sudden change of heart has led to accusations of a lack of planning and inconsistent decision-making by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
Gill's exclusion is attributed to a combination of factors, including a recent dip in form and the team's strategic preference for a wicketkeeper-batter at the top of the order. While Gill has shown promise in the past, his inability to consistently deliver quick runs in the powerplay overs has raised concerns. In his last 14 T20I appearances, Gill has averaged 24.63, and he only managed 32 runs across three innings in the recent series against South Africa. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged Gill's quality but emphasized the need for team balance and combination. He stated that the decision wasn't solely based on Gill's form but also on the team's requirement for an extra keeper at the top, leading to a sacrifice of a specialist batter.
However, critics argue that the decision to drop Gill contradicts earlier signals where he was being groomed as a future leader and all-format player. Some suggest that the selectors were hasty in their assessment and failed to provide Gill with adequate opportunities to prove his worth. There are claims that the selection process favored domestic performances and aggressive batting styles over established stars, indicating a shift in team philosophy. Ishan Kishan's inclusion, following a strong showing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is seen as a direct consequence of this approach.
The elevation of Axar Patel as vice-captain has also raised eyebrows. Patel's recent axing from the vice-captaincy, only to be reinstated for the World Cup, suggests a lack of clarity in the leadership structure. Some experts believe that the selectors have gone "backwards" with this decision, and that IPL performances were not properly considered.
Despite the criticism, some experts have defended the selection committee, praising their boldness in making tough calls and prioritizing team balance over individual reputations. They argue that the inclusion of players like Abhishek Sharma and the emphasis on aggressive intent reflect a modern T20 approach. The focus on spin depth, with the inclusion of multiple spinners, is also viewed as a strategic move to exploit home conditions.
Ultimately, the success of this squad will depend on whether these changes translate into victories on the field. For now, the selection process remains under scrutiny, with many questioning whether the last-minute changes were a masterstroke or a sign of poor planning.
