Shubman Gill Excluded from India's T20 World Cup Squad: What's Next for the Star Player?

In a significant shake-up, Shubman Gill has been excluded from India's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Axar Patel stepping in as vice-captain. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, cited Gill's poor form as the reason for his omission. Ishan Kishan returns as the second wicketkeeper, while Rinku Singh makes a comeback as the finisher. The squad is packed with talent, including captain Suryakumar Yadav and star players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Read on for the complete squad details and insights into this bold decision.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 14:50 IST

India's T20 World Cup Squad Unveiled

Mumbai: In a surprising decision, the national selection committee announced on Saturday that vice-captain Shubman Gill has been left out of the 15-member Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup on home soil.

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

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, acknowledged Gill's exclusion was due to his recent lack of form, stating, "He has not been scoring runs, and with his omission, we needed to appoint a vice-captain."

Rinku Singh, who contributed to the Asia Cup victory, has been reinstated as the designated finisher, replacing Jitesh Sharma. Ishan Kishan will serve as the second wicketkeeper and also act as a reserve opener.

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.