Shubman Gill Dropped from T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Ajit Agarkar Explains Bold Call

Mumbai: In what is arguably the most ruthless selection call of the post-Rohit Sharma era, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dropped Shubman Gill from the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The decision, announced on Saturday (December 20, 2025), sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. Gill, who began the year as India’s designated T20I opener and vice-captain, has paid the price for a prolonged lean patch and a strategic shift in the team's top-order composition.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, addressing the media alongside Captain Suryakumar Yadav, did not mince words, citing "lack of runs" and the need for better "team combinations" as the primary reasons behind the exclusion.

Agarkar Breaks Silence: "Combinations Over Reputation"

The press conference at the BCCI headquarters was dominated by questions regarding Gill's omission. Agarkar, known for his pragmatic approach, explained that the decision was difficult but necessary for the team's balance.

"Obviously, he (Gill) has been short of runs. We looked at his numbers over the last 12 months, and they haven't matched the standards we set for the top order," Agarkar stated.

However, the Chief Selector emphasized that form wasn't the only factor. The management's desire to play an aggressive wicketkeeper-batter at the top of the order played a crucial role in sealing Gill's fate.

"It is about combinations more than anything else. If your keeper is going to bat at the top, you want someone who is naturally suited there. We have Sanju (Samson) and now Ishan (Kishan) who offer that left-handed option and explosive starts. Unfortunately, someone had to miss out, and it happened to be Shubman."

The Numbers Game: Why Gill Was Dropped

While Gill is regarded as the 'Prince' of Indian batting in ODIs and Tests, his T20I returns in 2025 have been underwhelming.

• Matches Played (2025): 15

• Runs Scored: 291

• Average: 24.25

• Strike Rate: 137.26

• 50s/100s: 0

In contrast, the format demands openers who can strike at 150+ from ball one. Gill's recent struggles against South Africa, where he managed scores of 4, 0, and 28, combined with a timely foot injury, weakened his case further.

Ishan Kishan's 'Phoenix' Moment

Gill's loss has been Ishan Kishan's gain. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter has made a stunning comeback to the national side after being in the wilderness for over nearly two years.

Kishan forced the selectors' hand with a "Bradman-esque" run in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Captaining Jharkhand to their maiden title, Kishan smashed 517 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 197.32, including a century in the final. His ability to attack spin and provide a left-right combination at the top made him an irresistible pick for a World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Axar Patel Elevated, Rinku Singh Returns

With Gill out, the vice-captaincy armband has been handed to Axar Patel. The all-rounder has been one of India's most consistent T20 performers, offering balance with his economical bowling and pinch-hitting abilities.

Another notable inclusion is Rinku Singh, who returns as the designated finisher. The selectors opted for Rinku over Jitesh Sharma, signaling a clear role definition: Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan will handle top-order duties, while Rinku, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube will manage the death overs.

India's 15-Member Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

• Batters: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh.

• Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan.

• All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Washington Sundar.

• Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

• Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.

Conclusion: A Message to the Future

The exclusion of a player of Shubman Gill's stature sends a loud message to the Indian dressing room: Reputation will not protect you; performance will.

As India prepares to defend their title on home soil, the leadership group of Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir has opted for a "horses-for-courses" strategy. They have sacrificed class for explosive power—a gamble they hope will pay off when the tournament begins on February 7, 2026. For Gill, the road back to the T20 side will now have to go through the grind of the IPL.