Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup 2026 exclusion: Was India's selection panel divided in their stance? EXPLAINED

On December 20, India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026 was announced. It seemed like the squad would be on expected lines and one felt that the only debate would be about a couple of spots in the starting XI. One of those debates was between Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson, with the Punjab batter seemingly the strong favourite with the vice-captaincy tag also attached to him.

However, it was a real shock when Gill was not named even in the 15-member squad. When was the last time an India vice-captain got dropped with barely two months left for a World Cup? Nevertheless, the call was made and it did come as a shock. While Gill didn't seem to be the right option in the starting XI, he arguably deserved a spot in the squad. So, how did this happen?

Reports from sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggest that India's selection panel were divided in their opinion about Gill. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir along with the zonal selectors in Pragyan Ojha, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh.

Sources suggest that Agarkar and Gambhir were strongly in favour of Gill's selection while Ojha, Ratra and Singh opposed the move, which meant that majority votes went against the Punjab batter. Reputed journalist Rajeev Mishra states that the squad announcement might have come as a surprise to the outside world but not to him. He also explains why BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia came for the press conference.

"Three selectors didn't want Shubman Gill in the squad and due to this, there was a clear split in the selection committee", said Sharma on SportsNext.

"Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir wanted Gill to stay, while the other three selectors didn't. I would say that those three did a really bold job. You all know that two of them have also played cricket with me. I did have prior reports that these three would oppose certain names at the selection meeting, and that is what happened."

"When three selectors from a five-member panel are opposing certain names, those players won't get selected because these selectors won't sign their approval. That is the BCCI process. It is due to this divide that BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had come to make the official squad announcement."

If these reports are true, it suggests an interesting precedent for selection going forward. When a player of Gill's stature with vice-captaincy tag is removed without fuss, it gives a strong statement to all players that reputations don't matter much anymore. Ironically, it fits well with Gambhir's long-time stand on 'No Superstar' culture, though he was reportedly in favour of Gill's selection here.