Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in support of Shubman Gill after the batter was left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad. Gill’s exclusion has led to debate, especially since he was vice-captain in the recent T20I series against South Africa.
Gill missed out after the team management decided to go with a wicketkeeper-opener combination. Sanju Samson returned as opener, Ishan Kishan was picked as backup, and Abhishek Sharma kept his spot. This balance change pushed Gill out of the 15-member squad.
Harbhajan said the decision has nothing to do with Gill’s talent or mindset. He explained that competition for places is very high and several players are currently fighting for the same role. He stressed that this is not the end for Gill and that he remains an important player for India.
Harbhajan praised Gill’s technique and reminded everyone that Gill is still India’s Test captain. He said Gill has the quality to bounce back strongly and will return with performances that silence doubts.
Gill had returned to India’s T20I setup earlier this year during the Asia Cup and was made vice-captain straight away. However, he scored 291 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 137.26 and did not register a single half-century, which affected his case for selection.
Harbhajan added that team selection was purely based on combinations needed for the T20 format. He said Gill is a class player and expressed full confidence that he will make a strong comeback despite the current setback.
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Axar Patel was appointed India’s vice-captain for the T20 World Cup 2026 after Gill was omitted from the squad. The decision was explained by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who said the change was based on continuity rather than a fresh leadership call.
Agarkar stated that Gill was the vice-captain earlier, but since he is no longer part of the T20I setup, a replacement was required. He clarified that Axar Patel had already served as vice-captain in T20Is when Gill was unavailable and was playing Test cricket.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan.
FAQs
Q. Is Shubman Gill dropped from the T20 World Cup?
A. Yes. Gill was left off of India’s 15-man men’s T20 World Cup roster.
Q. What led to Shubman Gill’s dismissal?
A. Gill scored just 291 runs in 15 games during the 2025 T20s, and selectors thought the team strategy with him was failing.
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