In a move that sent shockwaves through Indian cricket circles, star batter Shubman Gill has been left out of the 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Citing a prolonged dip in form across T20Is and domestic leagues, the national selectors opted for in-form finishers and versatile middle-order hitters instead .
But while many fans expressed disbelief, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh offered a measured—and ultimately hopeful—perspective. “It’s not the end of the road for Shubman,” he said firmly. “This is just a phase. He’s too talented to be written off.”
Gill’s exclusion opens the door for a reshaped Indian batting lineup under captain Suryakumar Yadav, with Ishan Kishan making a high-profile return and Axar Patel named vice-captain. Let’s unpack what this means for Team India’s title ambitions—and for Gill’s career trajectory.
Table of Contents
- Why Was Shubman Gill Dropped?
- Harbhajan Singh Backs Gill: ‘It’s Not the End’
- Full India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Breakdown
- Suryakumar Yadav Retains Captaincy—What It Means
- Ishan Kishan Returns, Axar Patel Named Vice-Captain
- How Gill Can Bounce Back Stronger
- Conclusion: A Setback, Not a Sentence
- Sources
Why Was Shubman Gill Dropped?
Once considered a cornerstone of India’s white-ball future, Gill’s T20I numbers have nosedived since early 2025:
- Average of just 18.3 in his last 12 T20Is
- Strike rate below 120 in powerplay overs—a critical concern in modern T20s
- Multiple early exits in IPL 2025, failing to cross 30 in 8 of 14 innings
Selectors reportedly felt his classical technique—ideal for ODIs and Tests—doesn’t align with the high-risk, high-reward demands of T20 cricket at the global level. With slots at a premium, they prioritized batters like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and Sanju Samson, who’ve shown consistent finishing ability.
Harbhajan Singh Backs Gill: ‘It’s Not the End’
Speaking exclusively to media outlets, Harbhajan Singh pushed back against the narrative that Gill’s T20 career is over. “People forget he’s only 26,” he said. “He’s got 10+ years of cricket left. One World Cup miss doesn’t define him.”
Harbhajan emphasized that competition in Indian cricket has never been fiercer. “Look at the squad—every spot is earned through current performance, not past reputation. That’s actually a good sign for Indian cricket’s depth.”
He also reminded fans that even legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were dropped early in their careers—only to return stronger.
Full India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Breakdown
The final 15-man roster reflects a clear shift toward agility, power-hitting, and all-round balance:
- Batters: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk)
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel (vc), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal
Notably absent: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli (retired from T20Is), and Deepak Hooda.
Suryakumar Yadav Retains Captaincy—What It Means
Despite a subpar T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, Suryakumar Yadav retains the leadership reins—a strong vote of confidence from the selectors. Known for his 360-degree strokeplay and calm demeanor, SKY is seen as the ideal captain for the experimental, high-tempo brand India wants to play.
His reappointment signals that the BCCI is prioritizing long-term vision over short-term results. As one selector told ESPNcricinfo, “We’re building a team for 2026 and 2028, not just one tournament” .
Ishan Kishan Returns, Axar Patel Named Vice-Captain
Ishan Kishan’s comeback is one of the biggest talking points. After serving a suspension and rebuilding his form in domestic cricket, his explosive left-handed hitting earned him a spot as the primary wicketkeeper-batter.
Meanwhile, Axar Patel’s promotion to vice-captain highlights his growing influence. The left-arm spinner and finisher has been a consistent performer in all conditions—especially in the USA and Caribbean, where the 2026 tournament will be held.
How Gill Can Bounce Back Stronger
For Shubman Gill, this exclusion isn’t a dead end—it’s a reset button. Here’s how he can fight back:
- Dominate domestic cricket: A stellar Vijay Hazare or Ranji Trophy season can force selectors to reconsider.
- Revamp T20 approach: Work with coaches on power-hitting drills and situational awareness in death overs.
- Excel in ODIs: Cement his place as India’s No. 3 in 50-over cricket—his strongest format.
- Lead in IPL 2026: A high-scoring, captaincy-driven IPL campaign could reignite his T20 case.
As Harbhajan noted, “Great players aren’t defined by selection lists—they’re defined by how they respond to being left out.”
Conclusion: A Setback, Not a Sentence
The Shubman Gill T20 World Cup snub is undoubtedly painful—but in the long arc of a cricketing career, it’s a single chapter, not the final page. With Harbhajan Singh’s backing and a clear path to redemption, Gill has every opportunity to return stronger.
For Team India, this bold selection signals a new era: one built on current form, tactical flexibility, and fearless youth. Whether it leads to World Cup glory remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Indian cricket is evolving, and no one, not even a star like Gill, is immune to its ruthless meritocracy.
Stay updated on India’s T20 journey with our deep dives on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-world-cup-2026-preview] and [INTERNAL_LINK:shubman-gill-career-analysis].
Sources
[1] The Times of India. “‘It’s not the end’: Former India spinner backs Shubman Gill after T20 WC snub”, December 2025.
[2] ESPNcricinfo. “BCCI selects SKY-led squad for T20 World Cup 2026”, December 2025.
[3] BCCI Official Announcement. “India Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026”, December 2025.
[4] Harbhajan Singh Interview, India Today Sports, December 2025.