The decision came after a mixed run in T20 internationals in 2025.
Shubman Gill Misses T20 World Cup Cut, Focuses on Vijay Hazare Trophy Comeback
Shubman Gill, Punjab and India’s ODI and Test captain, has witnessed a major setback in his international white-ball career after being left out of India’s squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He was once widely touted as the future all-format skipper but now turns his attention to domestic cricket and the Vijay Hazare Trophy to rebuild momentum and remind the national selectors of his limited-overs credentials.
Given his leadership roles and previous backing from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his omission from the marquee T20 event, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has left many observers. The decision came after a mixed run in T20 internationals in 2025, where Gill managed only 291 runs in 15 innings without scoring a fifty, raising questions about his efficiency in the shortest format.
Selectors also opted to exclude Gill from the T20I series against New Zealand, focusing instead on combinations that feature multiple wicket-keeper batters at the top of the order. This strategic shift reportedly influenced the final squad composition, with players like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan earning recall due to recent form,according to sources
Gill will have an important opportunity to showcase his skills in India’s premier domestic 50-over competition after being selected in Punjab’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad alongside India teammates Arshdeep Singh and Abhishek Sharma.
The timing of the domestic tournament is significant, as it concludes just before India’s scheduled ODI and T20I series against New Zealand in January. Under BCCI policy, centrally contracted players are expected to feature in domestic competitions ahead of international duty, making Gill’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy virtually certain, according to board guidelines.
According to observers, Punjab’s squad is well-balanced, featuring powerful hitters and all-rounders, giving Gill a robust platform to rekindle his white-ball form. A strong Vijay Hazare campaign could bring him back into contention for India’s limited-overs setup ahead of future series and tournaments.
Source: Hindustan Times
