Former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik claimed that Shubman Gill’s T20 World Cup 2026 insults do not show clarity from the selectors. Gill, who was the vice-captain of the Indian T20I side, could not find a place in the team along with Jitesh Sharma, although both men were part of the recent series against South Africa.
On his Instagram, Karthik said that he did not see Gill and Jitesh falling from the side. The former goalkeeper said he found the decision shocking as the 26-year-old had been heavily backed by the selectors but was dropped just before the big tournament.
“India’s T20 World Cup squad is announced and guess what? Shubman Gill, the current vice-captain of the T20 team and the incumbent opener, was dropped not only from the playing XI but also from the lineup. And they wanted to bring in an extra opener, so they brought in Ishan Kishan and also dropped Jitesh Sharma, and instead Jitesh Sharma went for Jitesh Sharma.”
“That’s huge news, dropping Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma. I didn’t see it coming. I’m just telling you there’s a bit of clarity missing. They supported Shubman Gill for so long and the day came when they picked the team, they let him go,” Karthik said.
Karthik said that India have a strong side for the tournament, the presence of Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy ensure they have the best playing XI. However, he said few areas of vulnerability will be missing the presence of experienced batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the World Cup scenario and the form of Suryakumar Yadav.
“A couple of areas of vulnerability India would have in the T20 World Cup for the first time. They won’t have any experience with the two greatest who have probably ever played, Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli in the World Cup team. And the second point would be the form of Suryakumar Yadav, but we all know how good he is,” said the surely vulnerable aspect. Will it turn into form if Karthik?
The former goalkeeper sympathized with Gill and Jitesh before ending the video, calling it a shocking omission.
“Well, we’ll end with that. Shubman Gill I didn’t see that and I feel really sorry for Jitesh Sharma. Two shocking omissions in this team,” said Karthik.
WHY WAS GILL LET GO?
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said there was no doubt about Gill’s qualities and it was only about a team combination that led to his ax from the side.
“Again, it’s more about team balance – specifically the idea of having two goalkeepers at the top – than individual ability,” Agarkar said.
Gill has scored 291 runs in 15 T20Is in 2025 at an average of over 24 and a strike rate of 137.26. During the series in South Africa, Gill got just 32 runs in three matches.
– The end
Published on:
December 20, 2025
