The announcement of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad was intended to outline a future path. Instead, it triggered controversy centred not just on player selection, but on how a star was allegedly informed—or not informed at all about his surprising omission.
The Squad Selection: New Deputy, Old Captain, and a Return
The BCCI confirmed Suryakumar Yadav as the captain for the marquee event, continuing his leadership role in the shortest format. The notable change came in the vice-captaincy, with all-rounder Axar Patel receiving the nod. Ishan Kishan, a batsman and wicketkeeper who will support Sanju Samson, returned to the team. Shubman Gill, the vice captain for the most recent Twenty20 International series against South Africa, was conspicuously absent.
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What Sparked the Controversy Around Gill?
The debate sharpens around the timeline and communication of Gill’s dropping. A report by PTI, citing a BCCI source, suggests Gill’s fate was sealed days before the official announcement. It claims the decision was made last Wednesday when the fourth T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad was abandoned due to smog. Despite this, the report states that neither chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, captain Suryakumar Yadav, nor head coach Gautam Gambhir personally informed Gill of the decision before the squad went public on Saturday.
Was an Injury Used as an Exit Route?
The report adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting the team management had “moved on” from Gill. It points to an injury Gill sustained to his toe while batting. While the player himself reportedly felt the injury wasn’t serious and wanted to play the Ahmedabad game, the management’s decision to rule him out is portrayed as the “first sign of creating an exit route.” Gill’s form was under scrutiny, having scored only 32 runs across three innings in the ongoing series.
Why Does the Timing Feel So Jarring?
The rapid shift in Gill’s standing is what makes the situation awkward. Just earlier this month, he was entrusted with the vice-captaincy for a high-profile home series. Less than three weeks later, he is out of the World Cup plans entirely, and his deputy position has been reassigned. In elite sport, selection ruthlessness is expected. But the purported failure to speak with a senior player directly about such a big choice creates awkward publicity and calls into question the peace of the dressing room.
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