The Indian men’s cricket team’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was announced on Saturday, and one of the biggest surprises was the exclusion of vice-captain Shubman Gill. Following the announcement, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the decision and clarified the thinking behind leaving Gill out of the squad.
Speaking to the media, Agarkar emphasized that team combination and balance were the primary factors behind the call. “We are looking for consistency and the right combination. We wanted a wicketkeeper in the top order and someone like Rinku Singh or Washington Sundar in the lower middle order. These decisions are always about balance,” Agarkar said.
He was quick to underline that Gill’s exclusion does not reflect a lack of faith in his ability. “We know the quality Shubman has, even if he hasn’t scored runs recently. He has been a world-class player and, over the past few years, one of the best batters in the world,” Agarkar added.
Agarkar further explained that in a packed international calendar, some players may miss out in one format while continuing to feature in others. “Some players will sit out of a particular format because they are playing another format. This shouldn’t be made into a bigger issue than it is,” he said.
Expressing confidence in Gill’s comeback, the chief selector said, “Shubman knows what he needs to do and understands what is required at this level. Hopefully, by the time the World Cup arrives, he will once again be the world’s number one batter.”
Agarkar also pointed out that Gill is not the only notable name missing from the squad. “No one is talking about Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was part of the previous T20 World Cup team and isn’t here now. These are tough decisions, but this is the best combination we believe in for the upcoming tournament,” he concluded.
The selectors’ remarks make it clear that Gill remains very much in India’s long-term plans, with his omission seen as a strategic decision rather than a reflection of his talent or potential.