Shubman Gill (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad continues to fuel debate in cricket circles. The decision surprised many, especially considering Gill’s recent role as vice-captain in India’s T20I series against South Africa. While some may justify the move on the basis of team balance and strategy, his last-minute axing after being handed a leadership role has raised questions about the selectors’ planning and communication. Gill was reincorporated into India’s T20I set-up earlier this year during the Asia Cup and was once again handed over as vice-captain. Despite this, he struggled to secure a permanent place at the top of the order, scoring 291 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 137.26 without scoring a half-century.
Sarfaraz Khan is once again knocking on the door of voters
Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh criticized the decision and expressed disbelief at Gill’s omission. “Shubman Gill is the vice-captain. What is the reason for dropping him? Just because he failed in 4-5 innings? Indian cricketers have had so many players who could barely perform in 10 matches out of 100 opportunities,” Yograj told Ravish Bisht on a YouTube show. Singh also highlighted the impact of such decisions on younger players, using Abhishek Sharma as an example. “They kept playing; you already know the reason. Young Abhishek Sharma came in a couple of years ago. If he fails in four innings, you drop him too?” he asked, warning against inconsistent and jerky responses from the selection committee. Recounting past instances of supporting senior players despite temporary problems, Yograj mentioned Kapil Dev’s treatment under Bishan Singh Bedi during the England tour. “Let me give an example of the ‘great’ Kapil Dev. When we toured Pakistan with Bishan Singh Bedi as captain, Kapil Dev continued to play matches despite not doing well with bat and ball. But Bishan Singh Bedi still took him on the following tour of England,” he said, stressing the importance of trusting a player’s overall value only to react to recent form. Gill’s absence has reignited conversations about selection philosophy and the balance between short-term results and long-term team planning.
