If you’ve been keeping an eye on Indian cricket, you’ll know BCCI had big plans for Shubman Gill. He was being groomed as a future superstar, playing across formats and slowly stepping into leadership roles. So, imagine the shock when the weekend squad announcement hit: Shubman Gill ruled out of T20 World Cup. Fans and pundits alike were left rubbing their eyes. After all, this is the same player BCCI seemed to be building everything around.
Shubman Gill Not in T20 Squad
So who’s taking over at the top? The selectors have gone with Sanju Samson as the new opener, while Ishan Kishan joins the squad fresh off a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final. Add to that Axar Patel as vice-captain and Washington Sundar’s all-round abilities, and you’ve got a balanced lineup.
🚨India’s squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 announced 🚨
Let’s cheer for the defending champions 💪#TeamIndia | #MenInBlue | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7CpjGh60vk
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 20, 2025
The final India squad for T20 World Cup now blends experience, youth, and power, but noticeably missing is Gill. It’s a clear message: form and combinations matter, even for a player once tipped to lead the side.
Struggling with Form
Why did Gill fall out of favour? It’s simple: form. In 15 T20 innings since his return, he managed just 291 runs, with a highest score of 47 and no fifties. Even BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted,
“You’re looking at combinations at the moment. Someone has to miss out when you take 15. And unfortunately, it’s him. It’s not because he’s not a good player.”
Clearly, the young opener’s inability to consistently anchor the innings while maintaining a high strike rate was a key factor in Shubman Gill ruled out of T20 World Cup decisions. Part of the problem was Gill’s unclear role. He was supposed to anchor the innings, like a mini-Kohli, but also keep up a high run-rate.
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Meanwhile, Samson and Kishan were given the freedom to attack aggressively, making them more suitable for the conditions. According to insiders, “Gill got caught in between. He couldn’t quite balance power with stability.” With pitches expected to slow down as the tournament progresses, the selectors preferred players who could hit big from the start.
Related Article：Shubman Gill’s Golden Duck Shows the Cost of Experimenting at the Top
No Heads-Up
To make matters worse, Gill wasn’t even told beforehand. Reports say he only learned he was dropped once the official squad was announced. Neither captain Suryakumar Yadav nor coach Gautam Gambhir communicated the decision earlier, leaving Gill feeling blindsided.
Shubman Gill was called moments before the PC and informed about his omission from the T20 World Cup squad.
– Gill was mentally preparing for the World Cup when the news broke to him. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/zT46WNMO7l
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 21, 2025
Many felt it was a strange move, given that the BCCI had long been grooming him as a top-order anchor. His omission highlights the tough calls selectors have to make when finalising the India squad for T20 World Cup.
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So now the India squad for T20 World Cup is official, and Gill is watching from the sidelines. Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, and a mix of other experienced and explosive players will take centre stage. For Gill, it’s a reminder that even the most promising careers have bumps in the road. Cricket, especially T20, is ruthless: one bad patch can mean missing out on big tournaments.
⚡️Shubman Gill’s T20I career⚡️
*⃣Made debut in 2023; scores a 100 in 6th game
*⃣Picked as travelling reserve for 2024 T20 WC
*⃣Doesn’t play a T20I for more than 12 months
*⃣Returns directly as vice-captain for Asia Cup
*⃣Left out of 2026 World Cup squad pic.twitter.com/SjNCxHrRMB— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 21, 2025
Still, fans are optimistic. Gill’s talent is undeniable, and a return to form could see him reclaiming his spot in future series. Until then, the headline remains: Shubman Gill not in T20 squad, and selectors are betting on balance and strategy over star power.
Looking Forward
The takeaway? The T20 World Cup is all about combinations and form. The BCCI has opted for a squad built for adaptability and firepower, leaving out a player many had counted on. But cricket has a funny way of giving second chances. Shubman Gill ruled out of T20 World Cup now may just be the motivation he needs to come back stronger. And when he does, fans will be ready to cheer him on even louder.
