Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad continues to spark debate, with former India cricketer Yograj Singh emerging as one of the strongest critics of the selection decision. Singh questioned the selectors’ rationale, arguing that a few low scores should not outweigh a player’s stature, leadership role, and long-term value to the national side.
Gill’s omission surprised many, especially given that he recently served as India’s vice-captain during the T20I series against South Africa. While the team management may have prioritised balance and specific roles for the World Cup, dropping a player who was entrusted with leadership responsibilities until recently has raised concerns over consistency in selection planning.
Gill had returned to India’s T20I setup earlier in the year during the Asia Cup and was again named vice-captain. However, he struggled to cement his place at the top of the order, scoring 291 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 137.26, without registering a half-century.
Speaking on a YouTube show hosted by Ravi Bisht, Yograj Singh expressed surprise at the decision to leave Gill out of the World Cup squad.
“Shubman Gill is a vice-captain. What is the reason behind dropping him? Just because he failed in four or five innings?” Yograj said, adding that Indian cricket has historically backed players through longer lean patches.
Warning Against Knee-Jerk Selection Calls
Continuing his criticism, Yograj Singh cautioned selectors against making reactionary decisions, using young batter Abhishek Sharma as an example. He questioned whether emerging players would also be discarded after a brief run of poor form.
“Abhishek Sharma arrived a couple of years ago. If he fails in four innings, will you drop him as well?” Yograj asked, underlining the need for patience and clarity in selection policies.
Kapil Dev Example Highlighted
To further strengthen his argument, Yograj cited the example of legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev. He recalled how former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi continued to back Kapil despite a difficult phase during overseas tours, recognising his overall importance to the team.
“Kapil Dev continued to play despite failing with both bat and ball. Bishan Singh Bedi still took him to England because he understood his value,” Yograj said.
As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, Gill’s absence remains one of the most debated selection calls, with opinions divided between immediate performance metrics and long-term team vision.
