The Indian cricket team for the T20 World Cup 2026 has been officially announced, with star batter Suryakumar Yadav handed the captaincy. While the selectors have backed continuity under Suryakumar’s leadership, the squad announcement has triggered a major controversy following the exclusion of key players Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan.
The selection panel has opted for a familiar-looking squad, prioritising players who have been regulars in the T20 setup. However, the omission of Shubman Gill, widely regarded as one of India’s most technically sound batters, has surprised fans and former cricketers alike, sparking intense debate within the cricketing community.
Reacting strongly to Gill’s exclusion, legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar expressed his shock over the decision. According to NDTV Sports, Gavaskar questioned the selectors’ approach, suggesting that dropping a player of Gill’s calibre purely on the basis of recent form may not be the right strategy for a tournament of such magnitude. Defending Gill, Gavaskar reiterated the famous cricketing adage, saying that form is temporary, but class is permanent, and stressed that Gill’s technique and experience in big matches could have been invaluable for the team.
The report also noted that Ishan Kishan’s exclusion underlines a clear shift in team management’s thinking, with a sharper focus on specialised T20 skills and explosive batting options. Suryakumar Yadav, currently regarded as one of the most dangerous T20 batters in world cricket, will now lead a side that retains several established faces but lacks the presence of young stars like Gill and Kishan.
Gavaskar’s sharp criticism has reignited discussions across social media and cricketing circles. While many have backed Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership credentials, others have raised concerns about the risks involved in leaving out a proven “class” player ahead of a global tournament. The spotlight will now firmly be on Suryakumar and his team to deliver a strong performance at the T20 World Cup and justify the selectors’ bold decisions.
