‘If I get picked…’: Shubman Gill sends message amid India T20 selection debate

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill (ANI Photo) Shubman Gill may currently lead India in Tests and ODIs, but the Gujarat Titans skipper has not given up on returning to the national T20I side.Ahead of the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gill said he remains focused on improving his game despite finding himself out of India’s plans in the shortest format.The 26-year-old last played a T20 International during India’s home series against South Africa in December 2025. After a tough run in the format, Gill was subsequently left out of the squad for this year’s T20 World Cup, where India successfully defended the title.However, the opener insisted that his ambitions to represent India in T20Is remain intact.“I would love to play if I get picked in the T20 team.Rather than dwell on selection, Gill said his focus is on continuous improvement in all formats of the game.“Honestly, I want to keep working on my game. I want to keep improving as a T20 batsman, as an ODI batsman, as a Test batsman.”Gill endured a disappointing run in T20 Internationals last year. In 15 matches in 2025, he managed just 291 runs at an average of 24.25, with a top score of 47. These struggles eventually led to him losing his place in the side amid intense competition for opening spots.Since then, India’s T20 batting depth has only grown stronger. Sanju Samson cemented his place with a stellar World T20 campaign, while Abhishek Sharma continued to build his reputation. The emergence of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has further intensified the competition after the Rajasthan Royals sensation smashed 776 runs in a staggering 237-plus knock in this IPL season.Despite the challenge ahead, Gill remains determined to improve his game.“You know, cricket is a game where you can never be perfect, but of course you can strive for it and that’s what I’m trying to do.The Gujarat skipper enters the IPL final in excellent form. This season he has amassed 722 runs at an average of 48.13 and a strike rate of 163.72, including a brilliant 104 off 53 balls in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals.Gill said focusing on preparation rather than outside discussions helped him stay mentally fresh throughout the season.“I think preparation is what keeps me mentally fresh because I know what I have to do next week, the next few weeks or the next series or the next tournament, and prepare for it.”According to Gill, the key to managing the pressures that come with international cricket is being clear about controllable factors.“It’s about knowing the things that are in my control or knowing what I have to do well to be successful and what we have to do well as a team to be able to succeed is what I think keeps me mentally fit.”While a return to India’s T20I setup may not be immediate given the competition for placements, Gill’s appearance in IPL 2026 has at least reopened the conversation. With another opportunity awaiting in the finals, the Gujarat Titans skipper will look to strengthen his case with the bat.