New Delhi, Dec 20: In a surprising move, defending champions India have excluded Shubman Gill from the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup and the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The squad was announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in the presence of captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. All-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain, reflecting the team management’s growing trust in his leadership and consistency.

Along with Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has also been dropped, while Ishan Kishan has made a remarkable comeback to the national side. Kishan’s return follows his explosive performances that guided Jharkhand to a recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. Middle-order batter Rinku Singh has also been recalled after missing India’s 3–1 T20I series win in South Africa.

Explaining the selection, Agarkar said the team was focusing on the right combinations and additional wicketkeeping options. He termed Gill’s omission unfortunate but necessary for balance, highlighting Ishan Kishan’s strong form and experience as a top-order batter.

The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Following the ODI series, India will face New Zealand in T20Is starting January 21 in Nagpur.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan.

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