Former selector claims Gambhir’s influence in Gill’s omission from T20 World Cup squad

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement raised eyebrows, with the exclusion of Shubman Gill emerging as the most unexpected decision. Once viewed as a key part of the team’s future and even elevated to the vice-captaincy, the 26-year-old has now been left out after a prolonged run of inconsistent performances in T20 internationals.

Gill’s struggle to deliver impactful scores in the shortest format appears to have cost him dearly. His omission has also led to a change in India’s opening combination, with Sanju Samson reclaiming his spot at the top of the order after previously making way to accommodate Gill. This shift indicates a broader strategic rethink by the selectors ahead of the global event.

Also Read: Why BCCI backed Suryakumar Yadav and let Shubman Gill go ahead of T20 World Cup

According to a report quoting a former national selector, head coach Gautam Gambhir played a decisive role in the move. The selector suggested that Gill’s elevation during the Asia Cup, largely influenced by his success in Test cricket against England, may have been premature, especially when Samson had not done anything to justify losing his place.

Dropping Gill just a handful of matches before the T20 World Cup, the former selector said, appeared to be a course correction by chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s panel. However, the decision was believed to carry a strong imprint of the head coach’s thinking, with Gambhir known for not always prioritising continuity.

Gill had been out of India’s T20 setup for nearly a year before his recall for the Asia Cup 2025. During that period, Samson made full use of his opportunities, scoring three centuries as an opener. Gill’s return not only displaced Samson from the opening slot but eventually pushed him out of the playing XI altogether.

Despite the backing he received, Gill failed to make a strong case for retention. From the Asia Cup through to the South Africa series, he went 15 T20I innings without a single half-century, never crossing the 50-run mark—form that ultimately led to his exclusion from the World Cup plans.