India’s selection panel came away with a bold, tactical call Shubman Gill from ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squadprioritizing explosive starts and late-inning agility over a traditional high-end anchor.
Why not Shubman Gill in India’s T20 World Cup squad?
According to officials, the decision comes down to form trends and the specific template the team wants to execute in World Cup conditions.
The selectors felt that Gill’s recent T20I returns and limited impact in the powerplay did not match the desired top-order balance. Instead, they opted for a structure built around two wicketkeeper-openers and an extra finisher – an approach aimed at maximizing runs in the first six overs while maintaining depth for the death.
Current form and powerplay output are costing Gill
Gill’s omission follows a prolonged lean patch in T20Is. He went 18 innings without a half-century and struggled to consistently accelerate during the power play — an area the selectors are clearly targeting for more aggression. According to the panel, World Cup matches demand immediate pressure at the top and India want batsmen who can change gears from one ball.
Chair of choice Ajit Agarkar Acknowledging Gill’s current struggles, he noted that he was “There is little running now.” Gill’s last home series against South Africa saw scores of 4, 0 and 28, and he missed the last two T20Is due to a minor niggle – factors that influenced the final call-up.
The two wicketkeeper-openers form India’s top order
India’s decision to back Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan as wicket-keeper batsmen who can both open was key. This pairing gives the side immediate attacking intent up top while maintaining flexibility between matchups and conditions.
By locking down two goalkeeper switches, the selectors have freed up a valuable slot elsewhere in the XI – one that could be used to boost finishing power without losing balance.
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An additional finisher points to the scales
The restructured top order allowed India to deploy Rinku Singh as the specialist the team considers essential in the high-pressure World Cup competition. With Rinku in the mix, India can still attack the batting deeper while fielding all-round options like Washington Sundar and Axar Patel.
Agarkar highlighted the realities of squad selection: “When you pick 15 someone has to miss” Gill added that he was “unhappy” not just a judgment of talent, but a casualty of structure.
A tactical pivot supported by former players
The BCCI and ICC briefs describe Gill’s inaction as deliberate swing towards power at the top and flexibility in the lower middle order. Former internationals echo this sentiment. R Ashwin and Sanjay Manjrekar both suggested that Gill was out of this particular World Cup squad after his form dipped and minor injuries set in. “inevitable” – an overdue but necessary recalibration.
Also READ: Fans were shocked as BCCI dropped Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
