On December 20, India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was announced. Shubman Gill was the most notable omission. The out-of-form T20I vice-captain did not find a place in the squad. While Gill has been facing widespread criticism, his absence from the squad was questioned. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that the changes in the squad were made as per team combinations. It also triggered other changes as Ishan Kishan got recalled after two years in place of Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh found a way back in as well.
"Shubman was the vice-captain; he's not in the team. Axar was the vice-captain when the T20s used to clash. About continuity, you're looking at combinations. If your keeper is going to bat at the top, you want a keeper who can play there. Jitesh was there, Shubman is a quality player and unfortunate to miss out. Combinations more than anything else, two keepers at the top. Rinku comes, who gives that lower middle order option,” Agarkar said in the press conference.
“Your opinion could differ from mine. Sometimes when you pick players, it's difficult. We still think he's a quality player. You go through ups and downs with forms, but it's more about the combinations you want them playing. Someone has to miss out, it's not because he's not a good player, and fortunately in Indian cricket we have options.”
Gill has struggled for form of late. He ended the year 2025 without a single T20I half-century to his name. On December 19, Sanju Samson opened the innings as Gill suffered a foot injury. Samson cashed in on the opportunity with a 22-ball 37 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Rinku, Kishan return
Meanwhile, Rinku did not do any wrong before he was dropped from the squad for South Africa series. He was on the tour of Australia where he did not get a single chance.
On the other hand, Kishan has showed consistency in domestic cricket. He was the leading run-scorer in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, leading Jharkhand to a title win. In the final against Haryana, he scored a century as well.