Shubman Gill News: The exclusion of Shubman Gill from India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked widespread debate among fans and cricket experts. Considered one of India’s most technically gifted batters, Gill’s absence from the T20 setup has surprised many. However, former India pacer Atul Wassan has come out in support of the team management’s decision, calling it a “practical” move rather than a harsh snub.

India recently announced its T20 squads for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand. Gill’s name was missing from the list, immediately raising questions about his future in the shortest format. While reactions poured in from across the cricketing fraternity, Wassan offered a balanced and realistic perspective on why the selectors may have taken this call.

“Expecting One Player to Excel in All Formats Is Not Practical”

Speaking to ANI, Atul Wassan said it was unreasonable to expect Shubman Gill to shoulder responsibilities across all three formats simultaneously, especially at a leadership level.

“I won’t say that Shubman Gill has been dropped,” Wassan clarified. “But expecting someone to be a Test captain and then play all three formats at the highest level doesn’t seem practical to me. Each format demands a different approach, and constantly asking a player to keep changing gears is not fair in modern-day cricket.”

Wassan explained that the technical and mental demands of Test cricket are vastly different from T20 cricket, and managing both at the same time can dilute performance. According to him, this is why the Indian team management decided to move ahead with format-specific specialists for T20 cricket.

India Moving Towards T20 Specialists

Backing the selectors, Wassan said Gill’s omission reflects a broader shift in Indian cricket thinking. He believes the team is consciously building a T20 unit focused entirely on explosive, format-specific players, rather than relying on multi-format stars.

“This decision clearly shows that India is now trusting T20 specialists,” Wassan said. “Most top teams in the world are doing the same. That is the direction international cricket is heading in.”

He added that T20 cricket today demands instant impact, fearless stroke play, and tactical flexibility—qualities that don’t always align with the temperament required for Test cricket leadership.

“Let Gill Focus on IPL,” Says Wassan

Wassan also suggested that Gill should be allowed to express himself freely in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the environment is different from international cricket.

“Let him play the IPL,” Wassan said. “Franchise owners naturally want a strong Indian T20 batter because it adds both cricketing value and commercial appeal to the team. The pressure dynamics there are different.”

He further noted that Gill now needs to clearly define his role across formats as he moves forward in his career, while India should continue to build a T20 side dominated by specialists.

Gill’s Struggles in T20 Internationals

While Gill has enjoyed success in Tests and ODIs, his numbers in T20 Internationals have raised concerns. After performing well as captain in his first Test against England earlier this year, Gill was recalled to the Asia Cup squad and later made a comeback in T20Is after nearly a year. He was even reappointed as vice-captain, fueling speculation that the BCCI might groom him as a future T20 captain post the 2026 World Cup.

However, that plan appears to have stalled. Gill struggled to adapt his game to the demands of T20 cricket and failed to score a single half-century in the last four months. His inability to consistently provide quick starts or dominate bowling attacks put his selection under scrutiny.

Selection Based on Current Needs, Not Reputation

Cricket analysts believe Gill’s omission is more about current form and team balance rather than his overall ability. With India aiming to win the 2026 T20 World Cup, the selectors seem keen on backing players who naturally fit the aggressive T20 template.

Wassan echoed this view, stressing that Gill remains a vital asset for Indian cricket, particularly in Tests and ODIs. “This is not the end of the road for him,” he said. “It’s about prioritising formats and managing workloads smartly.”

What Lies Ahead for Shubman Gill?

Despite missing out on the T20 World Cup squad, Shubman Gill’s stature in Indian cricket remains intact. His leadership role in Tests and his consistency in longer formats suggest that he will continue to be a key figure in India’s future plans.

For now, the message from the selectors appears clear: specialisation over versatility in T20 cricket. Whether Gill can reinvent his T20 game and force his way back into the setup remains a storyline to watch in the coming months.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available statements and media reports. Team selection decisions are subject to change based on form, fitness, and team strategy.