In a stunning development on December 20, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The biggest shock was the omission of Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain and T20I vice-captain. Gill, who had been reinstated in the T20I setup during the 2025 Asia Cup, failed to secure a spot, marking his second consecutive T20 World Cup snub after missing the 2024 edition.
Selectors Explain the Decision
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav, addressed the media in Mumbai, explaining the decision. Agarkar emphasized team combinations over individual form, stating, “Shubman is short of runs at the moment… You are looking at combinations. If your keeper was going to bat, he would bat at the top of the order. Shubman is unfortunate to miss out.” The selectors prioritized a wicketkeeper-opener, paving the way for Sanju Samson to likely partner Abhishek Sharma at the top, with Ishan Kishan returning as the second keeper.
Gill’s T20I Form in 2025
Gill’s T20I struggles in 2025 were telling: 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, with no half-century and five single-digit scores. His highest was 47 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Minor injuries, including a foot niggle that ruled him out of the last 2 T20I against South Africa, further hampered momentum. Despite his excellence in longer formats, Gill’s lack of explosive impact in T20Is proved costly.
Key Inclusions and Omissions
The squad sees notable returns: Ishan Kishan, after a blistering Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (517 runs at SR 197.32), and finisher Rinku Singh. Jitesh Sharma misses out, while Axar Patel replaces Gill as vice-captain. Suryakumar Yadav retains leadership, with the core including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Axar Patel (VC)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Shivam Dube
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Washington Sundar
This bold move form BCCI and selectors signals India’s intent to defend their 2024 title with aggressive, flexible combinations suited to home conditions. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar called Gill’s omission “a surprise,” urging him to take it positively. Agarkar assured Gill remains in long-term plans, but for now, form and balance prevail. As India prepares for a New Zealand series and the T20 World Cup.
