In a bold selection call that underlines India’s shift towards impact-driven T20 cricket, the national selectors on Saturday dropped Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad, recalling wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and finisher Rinku Singh.
Gill’s omission was the standout decision of the selection meeting held in Mumbai.
While the move raised eyebrows, selectors indicated that the decision was rooted in recent form and team balance rather than reputation. Axar Patel has been named the new vice-captain of the side.
Despite being one of India’s most consistent performers in Tests and ODIs, Gill has struggled to cement a clear role in the T20I setup, particularly as an opener.
Concerns over his strike rate in the powerplay and India’s renewed focus on explosive starts appear to have worked against him. Gill managed scores of 4, 0 and 28 in the recent T20I series against South Africa.
“Shubman Gill is short of runs at the moment and missed the last World Cup as well,” chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said while explaining the decision.
The return of Kishan signals a renewed emphasis on aggressive wicketkeeper-batters and left-right combinations at the top of the order.
Kishan, who had fallen out of favour earlier in the year due to fitness and availability issues, forced his way back with a strong domestic season, including a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that helped Jharkhand clinch the title.
“It’s not about Gill’s form. We wanted a wicketkeeper at the top,” captain Suryakumar Yadav said, underlining the tactical thinking behind the selection.
Kishan’s inclusion meant Yashasvi Jaiswal missed out, while Jitesh Sharma was also dropped from the squad.
India have clearly doubled down on power hitting, selecting Abhishek Sharma along with Suryakumar, Tilak Varma and Kishan to provide firepower through the top and middle order.
Rinku Singh’s selection further reinforces India’s commitment to a specialist finisher capable of handling pressure and accelerating at the death.
All-rounders remain central to the squad’s balance, with Hardik Pandya once again tasked with anchoring the XI.
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He will be supported by Shivam Dube, whose effectiveness against spin has emerged as a key asset, and the Axar Patel–Washington Sundar combination, which offers flexibility across departments.
The bowling attack blends proven experience with experimentation. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace unit alongside Arshdeep Singh, India’s most dependable left-arm option in T20Is. The inclusion of Harshit Rana points to a forward-looking approach, with selectors backing raw pace and bounce as a potential differentiator.
Spin duties will be shared by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, a combination that offers wrist-spin variety and mystery through the middle overs, with Axar and Washington adding further control and depth.
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh.
