Overview:
The BCCI can change the squad before the start of the T20 World Cup. Varun Chakravarthy had replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal during the 2025 Champions Trophy after taking slow pitches in Dubai into consideration.
Team India batter Shubman Gill’s form has become a significant concern for the national selection panel ahead of the squad announcement for the 2026 T20 World Cup, according to The Indian Express. Gill will not be dropped from the 15-member squad but his lack of runs has raised questions over whether he will remain as vice-captain in the shortest format. The return of Gill as an opener has led to the demotion of Sanju Samson in the batting order.
Gill was a part of the team in the Asia Cup and also the series in Australia, with his top score being 47. The dip in form has led to speculation about the decision makers considering the possibility of opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
According to the report, the selectors know that Gill takes time before scoring aggressively, which is putting pressure on Abhishek Sharma to go for big shots from the start of the match. The inclusion of Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan could lessen the pressure on the young southpaw.
The BCCI can change the squad before the start of the T20 World Cup. Varun Chakravarthy had replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal during the 2025 Champions Trophy after taking slow pitches in Dubai into consideration.
Meanwhile, the global tournament in India could be the last for Suryakumar as T20I skipper. He is 35 and is out of form.
He hasn’t been able to score runs in the last 14 months, but has managed to be a part of the team because of his captaincy.
The committee will also announce the squad for the New Zealand series. There is hardly any spot up for grabs, although Gill’s position has come under the scanner, while Jaiswal remains sidelined.
It remains to be seen if the selectors name Jaiswal as a backup opener for the New Zealand matches just to keep him in touch before the World Cup to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Sanju Samson can also open the innings if needed, as he has been magnificent with the bat. Despite his impressive numbers, he was sent to the middle order and was then dropped after a few ordinary outings.