Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Indian selectors made a tough call by leaving out vice-captain Shubman Gill due to poor form. Fans were curious about how captain Suryakumar Yadav, despite underwhelming performances, retained his spot in the squad. While both players struggled, only one made the cut. Reports confirm that captaincy played a crucial role in SKY’s inclusion, highlighting that leadership often outweighs recent form in high-stakes tournaments.
Shubman Gill’s Form Concerns
Gill’s recent numbers did little to support his selection. In 15 T20 innings, he scored 291 runs at a strike rate of just over 137. Although decent, it was considered insufficient for the fast-paced T20 format, especially at a World Cup stage. This led the selectors to drop him in favor of other in-form players. Despite being vice-captain, his lack of runs meant the team had to look elsewhere for reliability.
Suryakumar Yadav Survives Poor Form
SKY’s own record in 19 T20 matches this year has been underwhelming. He managed only 218 runs at a strike rate of 123.2, marking the worst phase of his career in the format. Yet, he was retained in the squad. Sources explain that his captaincy is the primary reason for his continued presence. The team management appears willing to give him time to regain form, but the message is clear: leadership has kept him safe, not performance.
Selectors’ Strategy and Message
The report also highlighted that selectors placed faith in Sanju Samson to fill gaps caused by underperforming players. Samson justified his selection with a match-winning 37 off 22 balls against South Africa in the fifth T20, proving the importance of form. The overarching message from the management is simple: no player, not even the captain, is untouchable in this team. Performance will always dictate place in the squad.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
While captaincy has temporarily shielded SKY, he will need to deliver on the field soon. Reports warn that just as Gill was dropped, Suryakumar could face the same fate if results don’t improve. The Indian squad now moves into the T20 World Cup with a clear understanding: form matters above all, and leadership alone cannot secure a spot indefinitely.
