Team management confusion played a big role in Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. According to a report in The Times of India, the BCCI had a plan and backed the opening batsman, but when runs did not come, the selection committee decided to drop him.
The Indian selectors showed confidence in Gill by making him the T20I vice-captain and giving him a long-term opportunity at the top of the order. He opened the innings ahead of Sanju Samson, who had performed well in the role. However, the 26-year-old could not take advantage of his chances and failed to clinch a starting spot.
Shubman Gill’s appointment sparks debate on role clarity
Shubman Gill’s omission soon became the biggest talking point. The decision surprised many as the Board of Control for Cricket in India had previously given clear indications that Gill was part of their long-term leadership plans. He was seen as a future leader in the shortest format.
The 26-year-old has already led India in ODIs and Tests. a report in The Times of India It was revealed that confusion over Gill’s role in the batting order affected his form and played a major role in his exit.
Gill has scored more than 400 runs at a good strike rate in each of the last six IPL seasons. His standout season came in 2023, when he scored 890 runs to win the Orange Cap. He also impressed in IPL 2025, leading Gujarat Titans to 650 runs at a strike rate of 155.88.
Shubman Gill backed as long-term leader ahead of IPL
Reports have revealed that the selectors had already picked Shubman Gill as the future captain across all formats even before the last IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India included him in its leadership plans.
This plan was also shared with Sanju Samson, who batted below his preferred position for Rajasthan Royals, as Gill was preferred at the top.
Gill was assured of a place in the playing eleven despite being left out of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. The selectors wanted to strongly support him. He was expected to take charge of the innings, as Virat Kohli did in the last T20 World Cup, while allowing other batsmen to attack freely.
Shubman Gill loses support after failing to strike a balance between attack and stability
Shubman Gill lost the trust of the team management after failing to balance big hits with steady batting. A source told The Times of India that his approach did not work for the team.
After his return, Gill scored only 291 runs in 15 innings and did not score a single half-century. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also struggled for runs, which put extra pressure on the rest of the batsmen and forced the bowlers to work harder.
“Gill was stuck in a spot where perhaps he felt the pressure to deliver big at the top. The whole idea behind the revised T20I setup was to put the opponent under constant pressure with a high run-rate. Gill got stuck in the middle. He couldn’t balance power with consistency,” the source said.
“Due to the poor form of both Suryakumar and Gill, other batsmen could not play freely and the strike rate was affected,” the source said.
Also read: The one player who will define India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign
