Source NDTV sport
VADODARA – India’s ODI and Test captain, Shubman Gill, has finally opened up about his surprise exclusion from the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday ahead of India’s first ODI against New Zealand, the 26-year-old displayed remarkable composure, stating that he has made peace with the selectors’ decision to leave him out of the shortest format’s marquee event.
“I Respect the Decision”
Despite being the designated vice-captain of the T20I side until recently, Gill found no place in the squad announced last month. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, opted for more aggressive options at the top, including Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and the returning Ishan Kishan.
“I respect the selectors’ decision. All the best to the team for the T20 World Cup,” Gill said. “I believe that in my life, I am right where I am supposed to be. Whatever is written in my destiny, no one can take that from me.”
While he admitted that every player dreams of winning a World Cup for their country, he emphasized the importance of staying in the present. “As a player, you have a belief that if you play, you will win matches for your team. But I really hope the team wins the World Cup for us.”
Factors Behind the Snub
Gill’s omission comes after a lean patch in T20Is. In 2025, he struggled to find his rhythm in the format, scoring 219 runs in 15 matches at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26—numbers that fell short of the high-octane standards set by the current Indian management.
Injury Struggles: Gill has also battled fitness issues, recently missing parts of the South Africa tour due to neck and foot injuries.
Strategic Shift: Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar previously noted that while Gill is a “quality player,” the team preferred an extra wicket-keeping option and more tactical flexibility in the top order.
Focusing on the Long Format
With the T20 World Cup set to begin on February 7, Gill is shifting his focus to his leadership roles in ODIs and Tests. He highlighted the need for better preparation when transitioning between formats, a concern he has raised with the BCCI.
“It’s never easy when you get injured and watch your team play from the sidelines, especially after being named captain,” he remarked, referring to his recent absence from the ODI series against the Proteas.
India will take on New Zealand in a three-match ODI series starting Sunday in Vadodara, where Gill will look to lead from the front and solidify his rhythm ahead of a busy 2026 calendar.
