Will Shubman Gill Play the 2026 T20 World Cup?

The omission of Shubman Gill from India's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has been one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament. Despite being India's vice-captain in T20Is and the captain in Test and ODIs, Gill was left out as the selectors prioritised team balance and role-specific combinations over individual stature.

Gill's exclusion comes after a prolonged lean run in the shortest format. In his last 14 T20I appearances, the 26-year-old managed just 271 runs at an average of 24.63. His recent struggles were highlighted in the South Africa series, where he scored only 32 runs across three innings.

Overall, Gill has featured in 36 T20Is, scoring 869 runs at an average of 28.03 with a strike rate of 138.59 - numbers that

have not aligned with India's evolving high-impact template at the top.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear that the call was driven by combinations rather than a verdict on Gill's ability. "We know what a quality player he is, but, perhaps short of a little bit of runs at the moment," Agarkar said.

"It's the combination more than anything else. Someone has to miss out when you pick 15 and unfortunately, it's Gill at this point.

Selectors felt the need to strengthen the top order with an additional wicketkeeper, sacrificing a specialist batter to gain flexibility. As a result, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson were preferred, with Kishan rewarded for a prolific Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign and Samson's consistent returns at the top since the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Shubman Gill responds to T20 World Cup omission

Gill addressed his omission calmly, choosing not to contest the decision publicly. "I respect the selectors' decision. All the best to the team for the T20 World Cup," Gill said ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand.

India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed the same reasoning, stressing the need for balance. "But we wanted a keeper at the top and players like Rinku (Singh) or Washu (Washington Sundar) to give us flexibility down the order. That's why we've gone with an extra keeper at the top. "

Gill's recent injury setbacks, including a neck injury during the South Africa Tests and a foot issue that ruled him out of the final T20I, also disrupted his rhythm during a critical selection window.

India's final squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Defending champions and co-hosts India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav in his first ICC event as captain, with Axar Patel named vice captain

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhigyan Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (vc), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

With the explosive openers, dual wicketkeepers, and a bowling attack capable of covering all 20 overs, the selectors have clearly leaned into flexibility and role clarity. For Gill, the door remains ajar, but for this World Cup, India have chosen combinations over reputation.