India Announces T20 World Cup Squad: Shubman Gill Omitted, Axar Patel Named Vice-Captain

The Indian cricket team has revealed its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, making headlines with the exclusion of vice-captain Shubman Gill due to poor form. Axar Patel steps in as vice-captain, while Ishan Kishan returns as the second wicketkeeper. Rinku Singh also makes a comeback as the finisher. Discover the full squad and the reasons behind these pivotal selections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 14:33 IST

India's T20 World Cup Squad Unveiled

In a surprising decision, the national selection committee has excluded struggling vice-captain Shubman Gill from the 15-member Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup at home.

All-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed as the vice-captain, while Ishan Kishan returns to the squad, edging out Jitesh Sharma for the role of second wicketkeeper behind Sanju Samson.

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, acknowledged Gill's omission was due to his recent lack of runs.

Agarkar stated during a press conference, "He (Gill) has not been scoring runs, and with his exclusion, we needed to appoint a vice-captain."

Rinku Singh, who contributed to the Asia Cup victory, has been reinstated as the designated finisher, taking Jitesh's place. Ishan Kishan will serve as the reserve opener in addition to being the second wicketkeeper.

Squad:

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh.