The Indian selectors have shocked the cricket world by dropping Shubman Gill from the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the five-match T20 series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill has been completely left out as the team focuses on form, balance and impact roles at the top, despite the fact that he was the vice-captain in the T20Is.
In September, Shubman Gill returned to the Indian T20I team, and that too as vice-captain, as the selectors were looking to make him the captain of all formats after handing over the command of the Test and ODI teams. However, Gill failed to live up to expectations in the shorter format of the game.
Shubman Gill out, Axar Patel becomes India’s new vice-captain
After consistent poor performances, Shubman Gill was dropped from the T20I squad, and in a bold move, Axar Patel has been named the vice-captain to assist Suryakumar Yadav in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The experienced all-rounder brings stability and leadership experience to the team.
Also Read: Ishan Kishan reacts to ending his long wait with ICC T20 World Cup 2026 selection
The Indian all-rounder had earlier stepped in as vice-captain when Gill was rested for the home T20I series against England and now he has got the big honor for the World Cup and the home series against the Black Caps next year.
Axar Patel was selected ahead of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah
Interestingly, the Indian selectors preferred Axar despite the strong performances of players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Both Pandya and Bumrah had captained India in the first few T20 matches, yet they were overlooked for spin all-rounders.
Akshar’s experience as captain of Delhi Capitals in the IPL adds to his credentials. DC made a strong start to IPL 2025 under his leadership but finished fifth after a mixed performance. His IPL leadership and prior stint as India’s stand-in vice-captain made him a safe choice for the selectors.
Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar said, “Shubman was the vice-captain; he is not in the team. Axar was the vice-captain when there was a T20 clash. About continuity, you are looking at the combination.”
Akshar Patel will be X-factor: Sunil Gavaskar
Meanwhile, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar predicted that Axar Patel will be India’s X-factor in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He praised Axar’s ability to make an impact with both bat and ball, noting his aggressive hitting, clever variations in bowling and strong fielding.
Also read: Sunil Gavaskar gave blunt advice to Shubman Gill after the defeat in T20 World Cup.
Sunil Gavaskar said on JioStar: “Axar Patel, the vice-captain. He is the X-factor with the bat and the ball. His batting has really got up there. He can crash the ball everywhere. He is bowling, changing his pace, bowling across the crease.
Bringing speed variation will provide grip and turn. He is also an excellent fielder. That will be the X-factor; You can use him at 5 or 6, and he can bowl the first 6 overs. He is capable of doing this. He and Hardik Pandya would be those two.
India’s team for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand series:
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Rinku Singh.
