ICC T20 World Cup 2026: What Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said about Shubman Gill's exclusion
The Indian team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been announced. The most surprising decision by the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, was the exclusion of Shubman Gill.
Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh have been included in the team. Suryakumar Yadav will lead Team India, while Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain.
Regarding Gill's exclusion, Chief Selector Agarkar said, "We know that Shubman Gill is a quality player, but perhaps his runs are a bit low at the moment. It was also unfortunate that he didn't play in the last World Cup because we played with a different combination. Combination is more important than anything else. When you select a team of 15 players, unfortunately, someone has to be left out. Unfortunately, that player is Gill at this time."
We wanted a wicket-keeper in the top order: Yadav
Captain Suryakumar Yadav said, "The decision to not include Gill in the team has nothing to do with his form. We wanted a wicket-keeper in the top order."
This same team will also play in the 5-match T20 series against New Zealand in January.
However, due to Ishan Kishan's inclusion, wicket-keeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma also missed out on a place. Sanju Samson has been included as the primary wicket-keeper-batsman.
Ishan Kishan played his last T20 match two years ago.
The selection committee has included both Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson in the team.