When Sunil Gavaskar speaks, Indian cricket listens. And his latest statement cuts deep into the heart of modern selection debates: “Domestic cricket matters, not just IPL.” This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a direct endorsement of the selectors’ controversial decision to bring back Ishan Kishan for the 2026 T20 World Cup while omitting Shubman Gill .
In a move that’s sparked fierce debate across fan forums and newsrooms alike, the Ishan Kishan T20 World Cup return is being framed not as a comeback, but as a validation of a system many thought was obsolete. While the IPL dazzles with its glamour and global audience, Gavaskar reminds us that true grit is forged in the dust of Ranji Trophy pitches—not just under stadium floodlights.
Let’s be clear: Ishan Kishan didn’t just “get lucky.” He earned his spot the old-fashioned way. After being dropped from the national side in 2024 due to inconsistent performances, he went back to the grind. In the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, Kishan smashed **872 runs at an average of 58.13**, including three centuries for Jharkhand . He followed it up with a blistering 98 in the Challenger Trophy final—on a tough pitch, against top-quality bowling .
Compare that to his 2025 IPL, where he scored 310 runs at a strike rate of 128—solid, but not spectacular. The selectors clearly prioritized his red-ball dominance as proof of mental resilience and technical soundness, qualities that translate directly to high-pressure World Cup games.
Sunil Gavaskar, India’s first great batting icon, didn’t mince words. In his column for Times of India, he wrote: “Ishan’s return is a triumph of the domestic system. You can’t fake consistency over 10 first-class matches. In the IPL, one good innings can get you a contract. In Ranji, you have to deliver week after week.”
His point is profound. The IPL is a showcase—it’s short, fast, and forgiving. Domestic cricket is a marathon of skill, patience, and temperament. By rewarding Kishan’s domestic heroics, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is sending a message: we value substance over spectacle.
This brings us to the elephant in the room: Shubman Gill. The Gujarat Titans captain had a stellar 2025 IPL, scoring 672 runs including a 129—making him one of the tournament’s top performers . So why was he left out?
The official line points to “recent T20I form”—Gill averaged just 18.40 in his last 8 T20Is . But Gavaskar hints at a deeper issue: Gill’s technique against spin in subcontinental conditions remains a concern. In contrast, Kishan’s domestic knocks came on turning tracks, proving his adaptability—a critical trait for a tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
It’s a tough pill for fans to swallow, but it shows selectors are thinking long-term, not just headline-grabbing.
While Kishan’s return is celebrated, another name is conspicuously absent: Jitesh Sharma. The 32-year-old finisher, who played 16 T20Is with a strike rate of 151, has once again been sacrificed at the altar of “versatility” .
With Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as the primary keepers, and Rinku Singh now the designated death-over hitter, there was no room for Jitesh’s niche skill set. His omission highlights a harsh reality: in modern T20 cricket, specialists without multi-role flexibility are increasingly expendable.
Rinku’s inclusion is no surprise—he’s India’s go-to finisher for a reason. His 2025 IPL heroics for KKR, including five last-over wins, cemented his reputation as a cold-blooded closer . But more importantly, he adds left-hand balance and power-hitting depth from No. 5 onwards, something Jitesh couldn’t match in the selectors’ eyes.
The 2026 squad reveals a clear shift:
This approach may be risky, but it’s undeniably principled. As Gavaskar puts it, “Cricket isn’t just a game of numbers—it’s a test of character. And character is built in the quiet arenas of domestic cricket.”
The Ishan Kishan T20 World Cup return isn’t just about one player—it’s a wake-up call to every aspiring cricketer in India. Don’t chase only IPL fame. Respect the Ranji Trophy. Master every format. Because when the World Cup squad is announced, the selectors might just be watching your domestic scores more closely than your highlight reels. For more on India’s evolving selection trends, read our [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-world-cup-squad-analysis-2026].
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