Former India all-rounder Yograj Singh has launched a scathing attack on the national selection committee after they dropped Shubman Gill, the team's T20I vice-captain, from the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This marks the second consecutive time Gill will miss the global T20 tournament.
Vice-Captain Axed Despite Leadership Role
The decision, announced on January 3, 2026, has sparked significant debate. Gill, who is the established captain of the Indian Test and ODI teams, was serving as the deputy to T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Despite this leadership position, he was omitted from the team for both the New Zealand series and the marquee World Cup event.
Yograj Singh, in a fiery interview with Ravish Bisht, demanded clarity from the selectors, led by chairman Ajit Agarkar. "Shubman Gill is a vice-captain. What is the reason behind dropping him? Just because he failed in 4-5 innings?" Singh questioned. He pointed to a perceived inconsistency in selection policies, suggesting other players have been given longer ropes despite prolonged lean patches.
Gill's Recent Numbers and a Historical Parallel
In the T20I format in the previous year, Shubman Gill scored 291 runs at a strike rate of 137.26. His last half-century for India in T20Is came in 2024 against Zimbabwe, where he made 58 runs off 39 balls. However, he showcased explosive form in the 2025 IPL, amassing 650 runs at a stellar strike rate of 155.88.
To bolster his argument, Yograj Singh cited the example of legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev. He recalled how Kapil was persisted with during his maiden tour to Pakistan under captain Bishan Singh Bedi, despite mediocre performances, and was still taken on the subsequent England tour. "But Bishan Singh Bedi still took him on the subsequent tour of England," Singh stated, implying that talent and potential should sometimes outweigh recent form.
Harbhajan Singh Views Setback as Motivation
While Yograj Singh's reaction was one of outrage, former spinner Harbhajan Singh offered a more measured perspective. Speaking on Star Sports, Harbhajan suggested that this exclusion could serve as a powerful motivator for the 26-year-old.
"Shubman Gill being left out does not make him a lesser player. We know his quality in any format," Harbhajan said. He expressed confidence that the team management would communicate with Gill and that this "small setback" would help him evolve. "He is a mature captain and player. He should use this as motivation to become even better," he added, framing the omission as a potential beginning for greater achievements.
The selectors' bold call to leave out a format vice-captain and a premier batsman has undoubtedly created a major talking point in Indian cricket circles, with opinions divided on whether it was a harsh but necessary move or an unjustifiable snub.
