Shubman Gill Excluded from India’s T20 World Cup Squad; Kishan and Rinku Make a Return

Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh Rejoin India for T20 World Cup

As the cricket world eagerly anticipates the 2026 T20 World Cup, India’s squad announcement brought its share of surprises. The notable exclusion of vice-captain Shubman Gill has made waves as the selectors opt for a different strategy, focusing on strengthening the top order with a wicketkeeper role.

Ishan Kishan returns to the fold after an impressive stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 517 runs at a remarkable rate. Rinku Singh, who has been absent from recent T20I squads, is also making a return. Consequently, Jitesh Sharma, previously India’s primary wicketkeeper, finds himself omitted in favor of a new lineup strategy.

Axar Patel Named Vice-Captain

In this revised lineup, all-rounder Axar Patel steps into the role of vice-captain, providing a strong leadership combination with captain Suryakumar Yadav. Key players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana fortify India’s fast-bowling attack, while the spin department is well-covered with Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar and Washington Sundar. Two of the three frontline fast bowlers are expected to make the final XI.

Team Management’s Perspective on Gill’s Exclusion

Ajit Agarkar, the chair of the selection committee, clarified that the decision to omit Gill was strategic, emphasizing the need for a top-order wicketkeeper. This shift allows flexibility in the lineup and considered the successful performance of opener Abhishek Sharma over the past year. Despite Gill’s absence, the team management has expressed confidence in the new squad’s dynamic potential.

Gill’s recent numbers include 291 runs from 15 innings, at a strike rate of 137.26, but without a single half-century. He missed the last T20I with a foot injury; Sanju Samson scored 37 off 22 in his absence. Captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasised that form was not the primary reason for the move. “It’s more about the combination right now. We need a strong wicketkeeper at the top,” he said

Looking Ahead: New Zealand T20I Series

The selected squad will first test their chemistry in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand before heading into the World Cup stage. This lineup, featuring seam-bowling allrounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, and promising talents like Tilak Varma, aims to achieve robust all-around performance.

The strategic changes underscore India’s determination to adapt and refine their tactics in pursuit of World Cup glory. With a balanced combination of seasoned players and emerging stars, the team is set to enter the tournament with extensive depth.

Full 15-player squad

Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk)

For further details on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, visit ESPNcricinfo.

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