Ravichandran Ashwin’s emotional nickname for Sanju Samson—’my thambi’—captures the spirit of India’s revamped 2026 T20 World Cup squad, which features bold inclusions and controversial omissions ahead of their opener vs USA.
From a 165-run innings that stunned Chandrakant Pandit to a ₹2.2 crore IPL deal with LSG, Akshat Raghuwanshi’s journey is a masterclass in talent, mentorship, and political endorsement.
Despite his reputation as a reliable finisher and team-first player, Jitesh Sharma was a shock omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad. We investigate the murky waters of selection politics and what it means for the future of Indian cricket.
In a stunning late twist, Shubman Gill was dropped from India’s T20 World Cup squad just days before finalization. While framed as a tactical decision, insiders reveal it also eases pressure on captain Suryakumar Yadav, shields coach Gautam Gambhir from bias claims, and rewards domestic performers—a move that “suits everyone.”
While Shubman Gill’s T20 World Cup omission made headlines, captain Suryakumar Yadav faces his own form crisis. Yet, SKY remains defiant: ‘I know what to do.’ With Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh back, India bets big on leadership and impact over stats.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav has clarified that Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad had nothing to do with poor form—and everything to do with strategic team composition and the critical need for a top-order wicketkeeper.