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.

New Delhi, November 19, 2025: Indian captain Shubman Gill will travel to Guwahati for the second Test match against South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 22, despite a neck injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided this information on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Gill experienced neck stiffness on the second day of the first Test match played in Kolkata. He retired hurt after scoring four runs in the first innings and could not participate further in the match. Gill had to be hospitalized due to this injury. In Gill's absence, the Indian team lost the match by 30 runs.

BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia stated in a release that Shubman is responding well to treatment and will travel with the team to Guwahati on November 19, 2025. He added that the BCCI medical team will continue to monitor him, and a decision on his participation in the second Test will be made based on his progress.

Given Gill's slim chances of playing in the second Test, all-rounder Nitish Reddy has been recalled from the ongoing India A series against South Africa A in Rajkot, as per agency report. He joined the team in Kolkata on Monday evening but did not participate in the optional practice session on Tuesday. If Gill is not fit, Reddy could be included in the playing eleven in his place.

Bengaluru, August 30 – Indian Test captain and T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill has arrived at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a fitness assessment and preparation before departing for the upcoming Asia Cup in Dubai. Players selected for the Indian squad are scheduled to assemble in Dubai on September 4, ahead of the tournament opener against hosts United Arab Emirates on September 9.

Gill had missed the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal against the East Zone, where he was expected to lead the North Zone side, due to a bout of flu. Before traveling to Bengaluru, he had been recovering at his home in Chandigarh. It is likely that Gill will fly directly to Dubai from Bengaluru, as this time players will travel to the tournament venue from their respective locations instead of gathering in Mumbai beforehand.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma has also reported to the Centre of Excellence for pre-tournament preparations. As per agency report, key players including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur are also expected to arrive shortly. Thakur is set to captain the West Zone side in the Duleep Trophy semifinal, while Sundar and standby player Jaiswal will continue their participation in the domestic competition before joining the Asia Cup squad.

Other players named in the Asia Cup squad are already engaged in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals, with Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana representing the North Zone, and Kuldeep Yadav featuring for the Central Zone.

Meanwhile, the South Zone will have to name a new captain for the Duleep Trophy semifinal scheduled between September 4 and 7, as Tilak Varma has been drafted into the Asia Cup team. Kerala’s Mohammed Azharuddeen, currently the vice-captain, is being considered as a replacement, although experienced players such as R Sai Kishore, Devdutt Padikkal, or N Jagadeesan are also potential options.

In another setback, East Zone’s campaign suffered a blow when pacer Mukesh Kumar was unable to bowl in the second innings, reportedly due to an injury sustained earlier during the first innings.

New Delhi, July 16 – Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill shared his reflections on meeting King Charles III during the team's visit to Clarence House in London. The visit came as a surprise to the Indian contingent, who had not anticipated that the British monarch would have watched the recent Test match at Lord’s.

On Tuesday, members of the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams were formally welcomed by King Charles III at Clarence House, as part of the royal tradition of hosting Commonwealth cricket teams visiting England. During the gathering, King Charles interacted warmly with several players including Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Gill himself.

As per agency report, King Charles mentioned that he had caught glimpses of the dramatic final session of the third Test between India and England, where India narrowly lost by just 22 runs under Gill’s captaincy. The monarch’s interest in the game came as an unexpected yet pleasant surprise for the players.

In a video shared on BCCI’s official social media platform, Gill expressed his admiration for King Charles, describing him as kind and generous. He noted that the players were grateful for the conversation and the opportunity to be hosted at Clarence House.

Adding to the special occasion, English actor and musician Idris Elba also interacted with the players. Elba was in London to attend the Youth Opportunities Summit at St. James’s Palace and took time to extend his best wishes to the Indian team.

The event also saw the presence of BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla and India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami. Shukla gifted King Charles a copy of his book Scars of 1947 and later shared that the monarch received them with warmth and had clearly taken time to learn about each guest beforehand.

London, July 15 – Indian captain Shubman Gill praised his team’s resilience and the fighting spirit of the lower order after a nail-biting loss to England in the Lords Test. India fell just 22 runs short of victory in a thrilling match that went deep into the final session on day five.

India started the final day in a precarious position, having lost seven wickets for just 82 runs while still needing 111 more for victory. However, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja led a spirited counterattack, forging crucial partnerships with Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Siraj worth 30, 35, and 23 runs respectively, pushing India within touching distance of an unlikely win.

As per agency report, Gill hailed Jadeja as one of India’s most dependable players, noting his fourth consecutive fifty of the series and his composed innings where he scored 61 of India’s 99 runs over 30 overs. Gill highlighted that the team had previously discussed the importance of lower-order contributions and credited the fight and determination shown by the tail-enders.

Reflecting on the match, Gill admitted that India lost momentum with the bat during the last two days, especially after a collapse on day four that saw India slump to 58 for 4 by stumps. Despite a promising stand between KL Rahul and Karun Nair, the early dismissals—including Gill himself and nightwatchman Akash Deep—left India with an uphill task on the final day.

Gill felt that a couple of partnerships in the top order might have eased the pressure and turned the game in India’s favor. He said that India believed the 192-run target was achievable if they had survived the initial 20 to 25 overs without heavy damage.

Addressing the on-field tension between the two sides during the match, Gill remarked that a bit of verbal exchange is natural in intense contests and should not be mistaken for hostility. He emphasized that mutual respect between the teams remains intact and will continue in future encounters.

With England now leading the series 2-1, Gill reflected on India’s overall performance, suggesting that they had played better cricket on most days. However, he acknowledged that the sessions they did lose, they lost badly, and stressed the need to minimize damage during difficult phases of the game. He concluded by saying that despite the loss, the team gave their all over the five days and could take pride in their effort.

New Delhi, July 7 – Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, India achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever Test match victory at Edgbaston. With this emphatic win, India leveled the five-match Test series against England at 1-1. Following the victory, Gill shared his thoughts, stating that there was no panic within the team after losing the opening Test.

Speaking on a digital platform, Gill expressed immense satisfaction over the team’s performance, stating that personal milestones matter little if the team does not win. This victory marked his first as a Test captain and was made even more special by the fact that it came at a venue where India had never previously won a Test match.

As per agency report, Gill emphasized that regardless of the outcome—win or loss—the team remained motivated. After the first defeat, they stayed confident, knowing that consistent scores of 400-450 runs would allow the bowlers to bring them back into the contest. He acknowledged the key question going into the match was whether the team could take 20 wickets and build massive totals. Reflecting on the earlier loss, he noted that missed chances played a significant role and believed the outcome could have been different had they held on to even half of them.

Gill specifically praised the fast bowlers, highlighting their collective haul of 16-17 wickets, which made his role as captain considerably easier. He lauded the depth in India’s bowling attack, particularly in the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, affirming that the current crop of bowlers proved themselves as some of the best in the country, capable of taking 20 wickets in any conditions.

India's second Test victory over England came by a massive margin of 336 runs. Gill, who had already scored a century in the first Test, continued his exceptional form in the second, amassing scores of 269 and 161 in the two innings. With a staggering average of 146.25, he has accumulated 585 runs across four innings, making him the leading run-scorer of the series so far.

The third Test of the series is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on July 10, where Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to the playing XI, bolstering India’s already impressive bowling lineup.

New Delhi, July 4 : In a historic Test match at Edgbaston against England, Indian captain Shubman Gill etched his name into the record books with a monumental innings of 269 runs. His career-best knock propelled India to a commanding total of 587, marking the team's highest score in England in 18 years. By the end of Day Two, India further consolidated their dominance by reducing England to 77 for 3.

As per agency report, following his iconic innings, Gill reflected on the technical adjustments and mental shifts that led to this resurgence in his red-ball form. The 25-year-old noted that regaining the joy of batting played a pivotal role in his success. He acknowledged that during lean patches, he had been overly focused on scoring runs, which took away the intrinsic pleasure of batting. Rediscovering that enjoyment helped him play with greater freedom and confidence.

Batting at number four, Gill revealed that going back to basics brought a much-needed rhythm to his game. He worked on his initial movements and setup, recognizing that although he had been consistently scoring 35 to 40 runs in Tests, he was lacking full concentration. By choosing to bat like he did in his childhood—without overthinking about milestones—he found himself more at ease at the crease.

Gill's innings not only marked personal redemption but also earned him multiple records. He became the second-youngest Indian captain after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi to score a double century in Tests. He also became the first Asian captain to achieve a double century in SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. His 269 surpassed Virat Kohli's 254* to become the highest score by an Indian Test captain and marked the first overseas double century by an Indian batter since Kohli’s feat in 2016.

Despite the monumental achievement, Gill admitted the innings wasn’t an easy one. He described the early phases of his knock as challenging, especially before the first session break, when he had scored around 35-40 runs off nearly 100 balls. A conversation with Gautam Gambhir, who offered insights about tough periods and building an innings, helped him stay mentally strong and patient at the crease.

He also attributed his maturity to the lessons learned during his 147-run knock in the previous Test at Headingley. That experience taught him the importance of holding the innings together, especially when the lower order could collapse quickly. In this match, he consciously decided to occupy the crease and force bowlers to dismiss him with exceptional deliveries rather than gifting his wicket.

Praising his bowlers, Gill commended the efforts of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj for dismantling England’s top order early. He emphasized the challenge of taking wickets as the ball gets older and underlined the importance of maintaining pressure by restricting the scoring areas. According to him, frustrating batsmen and limiting their shot-making opportunities would be key to India's bowling strategy moving forward.

Gill concluded that forcing batsmen into errors by curtailing their natural scoring zones would be India's best chance at tightening their grip on the match. His thoughtful approach, both with the bat and as a leader, underscores a new chapter in his evolution as a Test cricketer and captain.

Leeds, June 19 : India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill has expressed that winning a Test series against formidable teams like England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is a far greater achievement than clinching an Indian Premier League (IPL) title.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday ahead of the five-Test series against England, the 25-year-old said, “Without a doubt, winning a Test series is a bigger accomplishment.” Gill is set to lead India following the retirement of stalwarts such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin from Test cricket.

He elaborated, “As a captain, you don’t get too many opportunities to tour England. If you're among the best of your generation, you might get two or three such tours. IPL happens every year, but winning a Test series in England, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa is something truly significant.”

Though Gill has limited experience with red-ball cricket in English conditions, he remains undeterred by the challenge. “Some may argue that our team lacks experience, but that works in our favor too. There won’t be as much pressure of expectations since most of us haven’t played here before,” he said.

Reflecting on India’s legacy in the format, he added, “What our seniors have given us over the past 5–10 years is a blueprint that we can win anywhere. We aim to carry forward that same confidence.”

On his batting position, Gill confirmed a strategic shift post Kohli’s retirement. “After Virat bhai retired, Gautam Gambhir (head coach) and I discussed and mutually agreed that I should take up the No. 4 position.”

The young captain emphasized fostering a secure and transparent environment within the team. “If we can achieve that, we will be very successful in this Test series and the WTC cycle. It's important to communicate clearly with the players about what’s expected from them while also allowing them to play their natural game.”

Gill also revealed that he consulted both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the IPL in preparation for the England tour. “I spoke to them during the IPL, and they shared their insights, especially about playing in England. The home series we played against England in 2023-24 was one of my best, even though some senior players were unavailable in every match.”

As India embarks on this crucial tour under a new leader, Gill's clarity of thought and focus on building a strong team culture suggest that a promising new chapter in Indian Test cricket may be about to unfold.

Mumbai, May 25 – Newly appointed Indian Test captain Shubman Gill believes that veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin have provided a clear blueprint for how India can win Test series overseas. Reflecting on his predecessors’ contributions, Gill highlighted that their leadership and consistent performances have shaped India’s success outside home conditions.

In a video released by the BCCI, the 25-year-old, who takes over Test captaincy ahead of India’s five-match series in England, acknowledged that he will miss the presence of stalwarts like Kohli and Rohit on the upcoming tour. However, he expressed confidence in the strategic foundation laid by the trio.

As per agency report, Gill stated that the team now understands how to approach foreign tours and secure victories, thanks to the groundwork laid by these experienced players. While translating plans into action on the field remains a challenge, the roadmap is clear, he said.

Commenting on the distinct leadership styles of Kohli and Rohit, Gill noted that both pursued the same goal—winning—but in very different ways. He described Kohli as a passionate and aggressive leader who led with intensity, while Rohit, though equally aggressive in his mindset, maintained a calm demeanor and focused heavily on strategy and communication.

Gill added that he has learned valuable traits from both former captains. He praised Rohit’s composure and clarity in conveying expectations to players, calling these qualities essential for leadership. Reflecting on Kohli, he admired his relentless energy and ability to inspire by example.

On balancing captaincy and batting, Gill emphasized the importance of separating the two roles. He explained that when at the crease, he aims to make decisions purely as a batsman and not let the responsibilities of captaincy interfere with his performance.

Becoming India’s Test captain, Gill said, is a matter of great pride. He called the opportunity a major milestone in his cricketing journey and underscored the honor of leading the national side in the game’s most demanding format.

As India gears up for a challenging series in England, Gill expressed eagerness to embrace the responsibility and excitement of leading the team. He acknowledged the weight of the role but also the inspiration it brings, especially for a player who has grown up dreaming not just of representing India but doing so as a long-term contributor in Test cricket.

New Delhi, May 10 – Rising star Shubman Gill is being considered as the new captain of the Indian Test team, with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant likely to serve as his deputy, as per sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This leadership reshuffle comes amid growing speculation over the future of senior stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the traditional format.

While no official announcement has been made, sources indicate that the selectors see Gill as the long-term choice to lead the Test side, especially following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. Pant, one of India’s most successful Test batsmen in overseas conditions with centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa and an average exceeding 42, is reportedly the frontrunner for vice-captaincy. Jasprit Bumrah, although highly respected, is not being considered for a leadership role due to recurring fitness concerns and uncertainty over his availability for an entire Test series.

According to BCCI insiders, there was serious deliberation over asking Virat Kohli to captain the side for the challenging five-match series in England, allowing Gill more time to develop. However, Kohli has not made any official statement regarding his future in Test cricket, and it remains unclear whether he will participate in the England series at all.

Both BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar have declined to comment on the matter. Despite public curiosity, the board has maintained silence over any direct discussions with Kohli about his retirement or leadership role.

A senior BCCI official revealed that Kohli’s experience was viewed as crucial for the England tour, especially in the absence of Rohit Sharma. However, with uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s availability, the selectors now appear inclined to hand the reins to Gill, who they believe represents the next generation of leadership.

KL Rahul, despite his international experience and recent form in Australia, is not being seen as a viable leadership candidate due to his inconsistency and age. His average of under 35 after 50 Tests hasn’t impressed the selectors enough for a prominent leadership role.

The Indian squad for the England tour is expected to be announced by the end of May’s third week, with the India A team to be finalized earlier. Tamil Nadu’s left-handed batsman Sai Sudharsan is likely to earn his maiden Test call-up, following an impressive run of form. He is expected to slot in as an opener or at No. 3 in the batting order, depending on the final team composition.

As India prepares for its next overseas Test challenge, the focus now shifts to a younger leadership core, while questions around Kohli’s future remain unanswered by the board.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill believes that a successful leader should keep captaincy and batting separate, as merging the two can sometimes be detrimental to the team's overall performance. As per agency report, Gill expressed this view during a pre-season media conference ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Gill took over the Gujarat Titans' captaincy from Hardik Pandya last season. Under Pandya’s leadership, the team played two consecutive finals in 2022 and 2023. However, in Gill’s first season as captain, the team finished in eighth place.

Discussing his approach, Gill stated that the more a player can separate captaincy from batting, the better it is for both personal and team performance. He emphasized that when he steps onto the field to bat, his entire focus remains on batting, as the decisions he makes as a batsman are different from those he makes as a captain. He explained that his engagement with captaincy is higher when the team is fielding, but while batting, he prefers to concentrate solely on his role as a batsman.

Gill also noted that captaincy is a continuous learning experience. He emphasized the importance of working on understanding both the team and oneself to become a better leader. His insights reflect his intent to refine his leadership while maintaining consistency in his batting performances for the Gujarat Titans in the upcoming IPL season.

Dubai, March 12 – Indian opener Shubman Gill has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February, following his stellar performances in the ICC Champions Trophy and India's home series against England. Gill outperformed Australia’s Steve Smith and New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips to secure the prestigious award.

As per agency report, Gill displayed remarkable consistency throughout February, amassing 406 runs in five ODIs at an impressive average of 101.50 and a strike rate of 94.19. He played a crucial role in India’s 3-0 sweep against England, scoring two half-centuries and a century in the series. His contributions included 87 runs in the first ODI in Nagpur, 60 in the second in Cuttack, and a brilliant 112 in the third ODI in Ahmedabad. His 102-ball innings in Ahmedabad, featuring 14 fours and three sixes, earned him both the Player of the Match and the Player of the Series awards.

Gill continued his exceptional form in the Champions Trophy, scoring a century (101 runs) against Bangladesh in India’s opening match in Dubai. He followed this with a steady 46 against Pakistan, helping India secure comfortable victories in both encounters.

This marks the third time Gill has received the ICC Player of the Month award, having previously won it twice in 2023 (January and September).