Former India star backs Shubman Gill after T20 WC exclusion

Shubman Gill’s absence from India’s T20 World Cup squad has become one of the most talked-about selection decisions ahead of the tournament beginning in February next year. The right-hander, who was vice-captain during India’s recent T20I series against South Africa, failed to make the final 15 after the team management reworked its combinations at the last moment.

The rethink centred on strengthening the top order with wicketkeeper-openers, which altered the balance of the XI. Sanju Samson returned to his preferred role at the top, Ishan Kishan was brought back as the reserve opener, and Abhishek Sharma continued as the first-choice option. As a result, Gill found himself on the outside despite his leadership role earlier in the season.

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in strong support of Gill, insisting that the decision should not be read as a setback to the young batter’s standing in Indian cricket. Harbhajan pointed to the intense competition for places and underlined that Gill’s quality and temperament remain unquestioned.

“This is not a message to Gill at all,” Harbhajan said while speaking at the launch of the fourth season of the Legends 90 League. “No one was taking anything for granted. The competition is extremely tough, and there are several players who can fit into that role in this format. Gill is a fantastic player with a very solid technique, and this is certainly not the end of the road for him. He will come back strongly. People should also remember that he is still India’s captain in Tests.”

Gill had rejoined India’s T20I plans earlier this year during the Asia Cup and was quickly restored as vice-captain. However, consistency proved elusive, as he scored 291 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 137.26, without registering a half-century—numbers that likely influenced the selectors’ thinking.

Also Read: Former England star gives tough verdict on Shubman Gill

Harbhajan further explained that the selection panel and team leadership prioritised combinations best suited to the demands of the T20 format rather than focusing on individual reputations. According to him, the decision was purely tactical.

“The discussions were about which combinations work best in these conditions and for this format,” he said. “That’s how the squad was shaped. Gill is undoubtedly a class player, and there’s no doubt he’ll make a strong comeback despite this disappointment.”

For now, Gill will watch the T20 World Cup from the sidelines, but with backing from former players and his continued leadership role in the longer formats, expectations remain high that this exclusion will be only a temporary pause in his upward trajectory.