Atul Wassan Supports Exclusion of Shubman Gill from T20 World Cup Squad

Wassan's Perspective on Gill's Exclusion

In Noida, Uttar Pradesh, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has expressed his approval of the selectors' decision to omit Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup roster for the upcoming year. He believes this choice signifies a mature approach and a shift towards prioritizing specialist T20 players. Wassan indicated a preference for Rinku Singh over Gill in the current T20 framework.

Addressing Gill's exclusion, Wassan clarified that he does not view it as a dismissal. "I wouldn't label it as an axing. There's been much discussion around it, but I find it impractical for someone to captain the Test team and participate in all formats simultaneously. A player needs to adapt, and that expectation seems unfair today," he stated.

The Impact of IPL on Player Selection

Wassan highlighted the increasing demands on multi-format players, particularly due to the influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He remarked, "Let him focus on the IPL. I understand the pressure from franchise owners who want Indian T20 players in their teams, which elevates their market value."

He emphasized the necessity for India to embrace T20 specialists fully. "Going forward, Shubman Gill should detach himself from this team, which needs to consist solely of T20 specialists. This is the direction all teams globally are taking. With a population of 1.4 billion, we have ample talent to choose from," he added.

Learning from Past Mistakes

Reflecting on India's previous challenges, Wassan noted, "Until about a year and a half ago, during the T20 World Cup in Australia, eight players were juggling all three formats, which was perplexing. We have a vast pool of players; we should select specialists for each format. This is why we faced setbacks in Australia."

He believes that the current strategy should focus on developing players specifically suited for T20, without the burden of proving themselves in longer formats. "This approach will benefit players like Gill in the long run," he asserted.

The Need for Fearless Players

Wassan stressed the importance of having fearless players in T20 cricket. "Players should not fear losing their spot in the team; they need to play aggressively. A Test cricketer may struggle to adapt to this mindset, which can lead to missed opportunities in T20 matches," he explained.

He praised Rinku Singh's return to the squad, stating, "This is an excellent decision. Rinku is the type of player we should invest in; he has proven to be a match-winner. In the current scenario, I would prefer him over Gill."

Defending Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan

Wassan defended Suryakumar Yadav amid concerns about his form, saying, "Form is temporary, but class is permanent. Surya has consistently demonstrated his talent. It's absurd to question a player who has been a reliable part of the team and is expected to perform."

He also commended Ishan Kishan's inclusion, stating, "It's fantastic to see him back. He had to prove himself after being sidelined, and now he deserves this opportunity. I believe he will be a key player for us."

Strategic Batting Order and Squad Depth

Regarding the batting order with players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, Wassan remarked, "I’m not overly concerned about the batting order at this moment. Players understand their roles in T20 cricket, and they will adapt as needed."

He also pointed out the squad's depth, noting, "The role of a finisher has become crucial, and with players like Axar Patel, who has been appointed vice-captain, we are in a strong position. The selectors have made commendable choices, reflecting a mature understanding of the game."