SPORTS DESK: T20 World Cup 2026: Shubman Gill Misses Out on India Squad
The Board of Control for Cricket in India revealed its 15-member team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, along with the T20I series against New Zealand.
This selection emphasizes current form over past achievements, signaling a shift in strategy.
Suryakumar Yadav retains the captaincy role, bringing his dynamic leadership to the forefront.
Shubman Gill’s Exclusion
In a surprising move, opener Shubman Gill has been left out of the World Cup squad entirely, losing his vice-captain position as well.
His recent dip in performance across formats appears to have influenced this decision.
Selectors opted for players showing consistent results in domestic and international circuits.
New Leadership and Inclusions
Axar Patel steps up as the new vice-captain, adding depth to the all-rounder options with his spin bowling and batting skills.
Ishan Kishan replaces Jitesh Sharma as a wicket-keeper batsman, rewarded for his strong showings in recent matches.
Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar also earn spots, boosting the team’s finishing and spin departments.
Full Indian Squad List
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Sanju Samson (Wicket-keeper)
- Washington Sundar
- Ishan Kishan
- Rinku Singh
Focus on Recent Performances
The selection panel prioritized players in top form, evident from inclusions like Harshit Rana for his pace and Ishan Kishan’s aggressive batting.
This approach aims to build a balanced side capable of adapting to varied conditions. Veterans like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav anchor the bowling attack.
Expert Analysis and Implications
Cricket experts note that Gill’s omission stems from inconsistent scores, while Kishan’s reliability earned him the nod.
This squad mix of youth and experience could enhance India’s chances in the tournament.
The changes reflect a forward-thinking mindset, preparing for high-stakes games against strong opponents.
**Upcoming Challenges
The team will first face New Zealand in a T20 series, serving as crucial preparation for the World Cup.
Focus will be on fine-tuning combinations and strategies. Fans eagerly await how these selections translate into on-field success.