Gill’s omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad explained
India back balance and flexibility as defending champions name squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
India’s squad announcement for ICC Men's T20 World Cup came with one headline decision – Shubman Gill missing out – as the selectors doubled down on combinations over individual pedigree while building a side they believe is capable of defending the title on home soil.
Explaining the call, selection committee chairperson Ajit Agarkar stressed that the decision was not a reflection of Gill’s quality, but rather the structure India are keen to persist with.
“Two keepers at the top (Sanju Samson & Ishan Kishan), that's the way we want to try and the team management will eventually decide what kind of combinations they want to play.”
“Rinku (Singh) has come in who gives us a little bit more depth in the lower middle order. It’s about combinations, so someone has to miss out, and unfortunately, it is Gill at this point,” Agarkar explained.
India’s preference for a wicketkeeper at the top of the order has been central to their thinking, which has opened the door for Ishan Kishan, who has captured eyeballs with his domestic form, scoring 517 runs in 10 innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy while also captaining Jharkhand to the title.
Agarkar underlined that Kishan’s recall was purely cricketing.
“He bats at the top in white ball cricket and has been in good form. We felt he is the right candidate at this point,” he added.
“When you are looking to construct a team, you are looking at the right kind of backups.”
Agarkar reiterated that Gill remains a key figure in India’s plans despite missing out.
“We still think he is a quality player. It’s not because he’s not a good player. Hopefully by the next World Cup, he is again the No.1 batter in the world.”
Captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed that sentiment, stressing that selections were driven by roles and structure rather than short-term form.
“Gill is a terrific player, no question in that. It’s just the situation we are in that we need a keeper to bat at the top of the order,” the captain said.
India have also opted for variety in their bowling attack, naming four spinners to suit different conditions.
“To have that in a T20 game is a huge plus,” Agarkar said. “The combinations will depend on the venue and what team we are playing.”
Despite a few notable omissions, the selection panel maintained strong conviction in the final squad.
“We have full faith in the 15 we have picked. It is a formidable T20 team,” expressed Agarkar.
For Suryakumar Yadav, leading the side at a home World Cup presents both opportunity and responsibility.
“I think it’s a good responsibility for me… It’s going to be a good challenge when you are going to play in front of your home crowd.”
While acknowledging his recent lean patch, the captain expressed confidence in returning to form ahead of the tournament.
“I know what to do, where things are going wrong. I have got some time to work on it.”
“It’s just a small invisible hurdle, that I am sure I will overcome,” he added.
India, who recently sealed a 3–1 T20I series win over South Africa, will head into the tournament without naming standbys, a decision explained by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
“As the whole tournament is taking place in our country, all the players will be ready. Given the urgency, we can get players at the last moment.”
India's group stage fixtures
February 7: v USA, Mumbai
February 12: v Namibia, Delhi
February 15: v Pakistan, Colombo
February 18: v Netherlands, Ahmedabad