Shubman Gill advised to focus on WTC and ODI World Cup to avoid burnout

The selection committee has asked Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill to prioritize red ball and 50-over cricket during the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle despite a brilliant IPL in 2026 to stay fresh for the big tasks ahead.

on Saturday T20 squads announced for UK Tour and Asian Games and the stylish Indian Test captain has not been considered as he has two major ICC tasks on hand in a choc-a-bloc calendar.

Gill scored 732 runs in the just-concluded IPL at a healthy strike rate of 163-plus – his best of the season – but with Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the squad, it’s hard to field another quality batter in the top order.

“The selectors are concerned that there should be no burnout with Gill.”

In the calendar that the Indian cricket team has for the next 18 months, it is virtually impossible to stay fresh if one plays three formats.

“Gill has to lead India in nine WTC Tests and also play around 35 odd ODIs before the start of the 2027 World Cup,” a BCCI source privy to the development told PTI.

“The communication is clear that he has to be fit for these two ICC assignments. Moreover, he will play the IPL where he will lead Gujarat Titans,” the source added.

While not yet in the T20 scheme, Gill is expected to return to contention before the start of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or the T20 World Cup in Australia.

“There is still plenty of time left for two marquee T20s in 2028. Gill is focused on the immediate future. In two years, no one knows which player will be in what form and fitness. So this is the plan till 2027 ODI World Cup,” he added.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

June 6, 2026 11:19 PM IST