Shubman Gill set to lead Team India in T20Is despite T20 World Cup 2026 snub
After India left him out of the 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, many fans and experts questioned Shubman Gill’s future in T20 cricket. However, Gill is set to return to Team India after the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is also likely to take up a captaincy role, replacing Suryakumar Yadav at the helm.
The selectors dropped Gill from leadership plans and team selection. He lost his vice-captaincy and was also excluded from the squad for the New Zealand series as well as the upcoming T20 World Cup. The opening batter managed only 32 runs across three matches in the recent T20I series against South Africa.
Gill missed the final two games of the series after reporting discomfort in his right foot. It was also reported that the team management dropped him from the playing XI despite him being fit enough to play.
Shubman Gill Likely to Return in Role After IPL 2026
After being left out of the 2026 T20 World Cup squad and amid uncertainty around the captaincy, Shubman Gill found himself on the sidelines. However, according to reports from India.com, selectors are now reconsidering their stance following positive feedback from the team management.
The opening batter is expected to return to the national setup in a new role. Gautam Gambhir played a key part in easing tensions between Gill and the selectors, helping shift the focus toward leadership vision rather than just numbers.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to lose the captaincy after the IPL, regardless of India’s T20 World Cup performance. The selectors and team management may overhaul the captaincy structure after IPL 2026, with Shubman Gill emerging as the central figure in the new plan.
India Plan Leadership Overhaul as Shubman Gill Emerges as Frontrunner
India are planning a change in leadership with a clear focus on the future. Suryakumar Yadav is likely to lose the captaincy after the IPL, no matter how India perform at the T20 World Cup.
The BCCI and selectors now want a long-term captain who can lead the team in all three formats. Shubman Gill has moved to the front of the race because the selectors see him as a player for the long run.
Gautam Gambhir helped improve relations between Gill and the selectors. He believes Gill has the skill, mindset, and leadership qualities needed to lead India in the future.
Overall, the selectors are thinking beyond short-term results and planning for 2026 and beyond. With this long-term approach, Gill looks set to take over the captaincy, while Suryakumar Yadav is expected to move on from the role
Shubman Gill’s Inconsistent Form Since His Return to T20Is
Shubman Gill has struggled to find consistency since his return to T20 internationals. He made his T20I debut in 2023 against Sri Lanka but later dropped out of the side and missed the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Gill returned to the T20I team during the Asia Cup in 2025. However, he failed to make a strong impact. He scored 127 runs in seven matches, with a low average despite scoring at a good pace.
His form did not improve much in the series against Australia. He made 132 runs in five matches but could not play a match-winning knock. The struggles continued in the recent series against South Africa. Overall, his performances since his comeback raised concerns about his place in the T20I side.
Also read: Not Ajit Agarkar! Suryakumar Yadav is the real villain behind Shubman Gill’s T20I axing
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