Sports Bulletin December 20: India unveil T20 WC Squad, Gill Misses Out, Mo Salah Apologizes

A busy day in sports as India officially unveiled their squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, sparking debates with some bold selection calls.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gear up for domestic comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. On the football front, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has put a recent controversy behind him with a heartfelt apology to teammates. Here are the top stories making waves today.

1. India name T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

India announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on December 20, 2025, with Suryakumar Yadav retained as captain and Axar Patel named vice-captain.

The squad includes: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya,

Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

This team will also feature in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. As defending champions and co-hosts, India aim for a record third title.

2. Shubman Gill left out, Ishan, Rinku included

In a major surprise, vice-captain Shubman Gill was omitted from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad due to recent poor form-no half-century in 15 T20I innings at the top (291 runs, SR 137.26)-and team combination needs. Ishan Kishan returned as backup wicketkeeper-opener after a stellar domestic season, while Rinku Singh earned a recall as a lower-middle-order finisher, replacing Jitesh Sharma. Selectors prioritized flexibility with two keeper-batters at the top and impact players like Rinku for depth.

3. Rohit, Virat to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to domestic cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, starting December 24. Rohit confirmed availability for Mumbai's first two matches in Jaipur, while Kohli is expected for Delhi's opening two-three games in Bengaluru, with Rishabh Pant captaining Delhi. This limited participation serves as preparation ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand in January. Both icons, active mainly in longer formats, aim to build rhythm in List A cricket.

4. SKY, Agarkar reveal reason behind Gill snub

Captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified Shubman Gill's exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad was primarily about team combinations, not just form. They emphasized needing wicketkeeper-batters at the top for powerplay dominance and lower-order finishers like Rinku Singh. Agarkar noted Gill was "short of runs" but stressed his quality, calling it unfortunate. SKY added it was tactical for balance, allowing flexibility with keepers Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan opening. Gill remains in future plans.

5. Mo Salah apologized to Liverpool players before inclusion

Mohamed Salah apologized to his Liverpool teammates following his explosive post-match interview criticizing the club and manager Arne Slot amid a poor run of form. Midfielder Curtis Jones revealed Salah addressed the squad, saying, "If I've affected anybody, I apologise," showing accountability. Dropped for a Champions League game, Salah was recalled for the win over Brighton, assisting a goal. Jones praised his positivity, noting the incident stemmed from a winner's mentality, with the team united and moving past it.

6. Sunil Gavaskar surprised after Gill's omission

Former India player Sunil Gavaskar is disappointed after Shubman Gill was left out of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. "It is a surprise. He is a classic, quality batter who had a fabulous season post the 2024 T20 World Cup," said Gavaskar, who believes the lack of form in recent months may be cost the India batter.

7. Harbhajan Singh heaps praises on Ajit Agarkar

Harbhajan Singh credited the chief selector Ajit Agarkar and backed the decision to appoint Axar Patel as vice-captain. "I give chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the management 10 out of 10. Having Axar Patel as vice-captain is a very good decision. Overall, they have done a very good job. I hope the team plays well and wins the cup," he said.