Ravichandran Ashwin Predicts Sanju Samson's Role in T20 World Cup Following Shubman Gill's Injury

In a recent discussion, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin shared insights on the Indian cricket team's adjustments ahead of the T20 World Cup. With Shubman Gill sidelined due to injury, Ashwin believes Sanju Samson will take the opening spot alongside Abhishek Sharma. He emphasized the selectors' support for Gill, who was previously named vice-captain, but noted that the current combination seems more effective. As India prepares to defend their title starting February 7, Ashwin's analysis sheds light on the team's evolving strategy and the implications of Gill's recent form.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 02:13 IST

Ashwin Discusses Team Changes Ahead of T20 World Cup

New Delhi, December 20: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his views on the recent changes in the Indian cricket team, particularly following Shubman Gill's exclusion from the last two T20 matches against South Africa. Ashwin believes this situation has paved the way for Sanju Samson to open alongside Abhishek Sharma in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Gill faced a major setback after being omitted from the squad for the T20 World Cup and the New Zealand series due to concerns regarding his fitness and performance.

Suryakumar Yadav is set to captain India for the first time in an ICC tournament, with Axar Patel serving as his deputy in Gill's absence. Gill's recent performances upon his return to the T20I setup in September were not up to par, leading to his exclusion.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the team at their headquarters, with secretary Devajit Saikia present alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Ashwin commented on the situation, stating, “When Shubman got injured and left the series, it became evident that Sanju would be the choice for the World Cup. This isn't rocket science; I've been part of Indian cricket for 15-20 years and have witnessed many such scenarios. Sanju's inclusion wasn't a random decision; it felt almost destined.”

He further noted that while Gill had received considerable support, including being named vice-captain of the T20 side, the current pairing of Sanju and Abhishek appears to be more effective. Ashwin suggested that the team's strategic shift and Gill's recent form likely influenced this decision.

“The selectors clearly backed Shubman Gill by appointing him vice-captain. However, it’s now apparent that the combination of Sanju and Abhishek is quite promising. Feedback from the Indian team management likely played a role in this, especially considering the change in India's approach during the powerplay, as demonstrated by Rohit in the last World Cup. Sanju and Abhishek embody this new style of play,” he added.

Since returning to the team as vice-captain during the Asia Cup after a successful Test series in England, Gill has struggled to find his form in T20Is, accumulating only 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate exceeding 137, without any fifties and a top score of 47.

Alongside Gill, Jitesh Sharma, who participated in the recent T20Is against South Africa, has also been left out. The defending champions and co-hosts, India, will kick off their campaign on February 7, aiming for a record third title.

India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20I series includes: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper).