Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has voiced his surprise and disappointment over the notable exclusions from India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 and the T20I series against New Zealand. The seasoned cricketer singled out the omission of opener Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma as particularly shocking decisions.
Karthik's Reaction to Squad Announcement
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the squad on Saturday in a press conference featuring secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. All-rounder Axar Patel was appointed as the vice-captain for the series. The selection panel recalled Ishan Kishan, following his successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign with Jharkhand, and brought back power-hitter Rinku Singh, who missed the recent T20I series in South Africa.
Reacting strongly to the team sheet, Karthik took to Instagram to share his disbelief. "The big news of the day: India World Cup T20 squad is announced and guess what? Shubman Gill, the current vice-captain of the T20 team, incumbent opener has been dropped," Karthik stated. He emphasized that Gill was left out not just from the playing eleven but from the entire squad, a move he did not anticipate.
Karthik suggested the selection indicated a lack of clarity, given the long-term backing Gill had received. "They wanted to bring in an extra opener and they brought in Ishan Kishan and dropped Jitesh Sharma as well. And instead of Jitesh Sharma, it’s gonna be Rinku Singh. That is huge news... I didn’t see it coming. Just tells you there’s a little bit of clarity lacking," he added.
Strengths and Vulnerabilities of the Indian Squad
Despite the surprising omissions, Karthik acknowledged that the selected team remains formidable on paper. He highlighted four key players who form the core of a strong playing eleven. "Across every skillset, they have the best in the world: best opener: Abhishek Sharma, best spinner: Varun Chakaravarthy, best allrounder in the world: Hardik Pandya, the best fast bowler ever maybe: Jasprit Bumrah," Karthik remarked, asserting that their presence ensures a solid lineup for the global tournament.
However, the veteran cricketer also pointed out two significant areas of concern for the team. He noted that this would mark the first T20 World Cup where the iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would be absent, leaving a vast experience void. Secondly, he addressed the recent form of skipper Suryakumar Yadav but expressed confidence in the batter's ability to regain his touch. "That vulnerable aspect will it change into a strength when he finds form? It definitely will," Karthik said.
India's T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
India will commence their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7 against the United States at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Their group stage itinerary includes a match against Namibia on February 12 in New Delhi, the high-voltage clash against Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo, and their final group game versus the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad.
Concluding his analysis, Karthik reiterated his shock at the selectors' calls. "Well, let’s just finish by saying: Shubman Gill. Didn’t see that coming. And I feel really bad for Jitesh Sharma. 2 shocking omissions from this squad," he summed up, leaving the cricket fraternity with much to ponder as the team prepares for the marquee event.
