India have made a headline-grabbing decision ahead of the men’s T20 World Cup, leaving out Shubman Gill from their final 15-man squad despite the 26-year-old serving as India’s Test and one-day international captain.

The move marks one of the most significant omissions in recent Indian cricket history and underlines the selectors’ emphasis on current T20 form over reputation and leadership roles in other formats.

---

Poor T20 Form Costs Gill World Cup Place

Gill’s exclusion comes after a difficult year in the shortest format. In 15 T20 matches in 2025, the stylish right-hander managed 291 runs, failing to produce the consistency expected of a player of his calibre.

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that form was the decisive factor behind the call.

“Shubman is short of runs at the moment,” Agarkar said. “Selection for the World Cup is based on what players are delivering in T20 cricket right now.”

Gill also missed India’s final T20 international against South Africa, which India won to secure a 3-1 series victory, further weakening his case for inclusion.

---

Suryakumar Yadav Retains Captaincy Despite Lean Patch

While Gill was omitted, Suryakumar Yadav retained his place and continues as India’s T20 captain, despite his own struggles with the bat in 2025.

The 33-year-old scored just 218 runs in 19 T20 matches this year, including a low score of five in the final match against South Africa. Nevertheless, the selectors backed his leadership credentials.

“We have full faith in our captain to deliver during the World Cup,” Agarkar added.

Suryakumar himself acknowledged his recent dip in form but expressed confidence ahead of the tournament.

“I know what to do. I have time to fix it,” he said. “We will definitely see Surya the batter.”

---

Defending Champions Prepare for Home World Cup

India will co-host the T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March, entering the tournament as defending champions.

They have been placed in a challenging group featuring Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia and the USA, ensuring little margin for error despite home advantage.

Gill’s omission is particularly striking given his leadership earlier in the year, when he captained India to a drawn 2-2 Test series in England during the summer. However, selectors appear determined to separate leadership roles from T20 selection criteria.

---

India’s Squad Emphasises Power and Versatility

The selected squad reflects India’s continued focus on explosive batting, all-round depth and bowling variety, with several players capable of contributing in multiple roles.

India T20 World Cup Squad

• Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
• Axar Patel (vice-captain)
• Abhishek Sharma
• Sanju Samson
• Tilak Varma
• Hardik Pandya
• Shivam Dube
• Rinku Singh
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Harshit Rana
• Arshdeep Singh
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Varun Chakaravarthy
• Washington Sundar
• Ishan Kishan

---

What Gill’s Omission Means Going Forward

Gill’s absence raises questions about his role in India’s T20 plans beyond the World Cup and highlights the intense competition for batting places. While his credentials in Test and ODI cricket remain unquestioned, the selectors’ decision sends a strong message about performance standards in T20 internationals.

For now, India will hope their bold call pays off as they attempt to defend their T20 World Cup crown on home soil.