Revealed: How BCCI conspired to drop Shubman Gill from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad?

Shubman Gill, who was the vice-captain of the India T20I team, was dropped for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and home series against New Zealand early next year. One major name missing from the side was Shubman Gill, who has been dropped despite being vice-captain in the last series. The 26-year-old, scored just 32 runs from three T20Is against South Africa.

Gill, was benched for the last game in Ahmedabad and was replaced by Sanju Samson, who made an instant impact. The given reason behind Gill’s omission from the XI was fitness, but a report carried by Times of India suggests otherwise.

Apart from Shubman Gill, wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma too was dropped. Rinku Singh, who has been in and out of the team has been recalled tom the side. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side, and Axar Patel has been named his deputy replacing Gill from the job.

How was Shubman Gill dropped from India’s T20I system?

According to Sahil Malhotra of Times of India, the Indian team management didn’t want to risk Gill owing to his injury. One team source was quoted by TOI as saying:

“Shubman Gill, could have played as the niggle was minor and there was no fracture etc. but it was a cautious to not rush him for the match.”

With Gill being dropped now, Sanju Samson is expected to open the batting with Abhishek Sharma in the T20I series against New Zealand and also the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Shubman Gill was informed about his snub just before the selection meeting

One BCCI source speaking to TOI said that Gill was informed just minutes before selection meeting about his snub. There wasn’t a word in Ahmedabad from coach or captain. He said:

“Shubman Gill was spoken to before the meeting. Obviously, we can’t give the details but he explained the combination call. Unfortunate for him but at the end of the day you need the best combination for the World Cup.”

It was a huge move by Indian selection committee ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Shubman Gill’s ouster from the team, as per reports carried in the TOI, is a situation which was suitable for everyone in the team. This means that skipper Suryakumar Yadav won’t have a high-profile vice-captain breathing down his neck, and also Gautam Gambhir will not be accused of favouritism.

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