Harbhajan Singh said Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the T20I squad is due to competition, adding that he remains India’s Test captain and has the skill to make a strong comeback.
India selectors have left Shubman Gill out of the T20I squad for the New Zealand series and the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Sanju Samson preferred as an opening option. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes the decision reflects balance and competition, rather than a loss of faith in Gill.
Harbhajan said Gill’s strong batting technique remains a major asset and will help him regain his place. He also pointed out that Gill continues to lead India in Tests and One-Day Internationals.
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“It is not a signal for Gill. He was not taking his place for granted, but the competition is so tough that there are many players who can take that slot and perform well for the team. This is not the end of the road for him. He is a great player with beautiful technique. I believe he will make a brilliant comeback, and we should not forget that he is still the Test captain,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying by India Today.
“I was listening to Ajit Agarkar and Captain Suryakumar Yadav. They were saying that Gill was excluded because of the combination. They must have taken the call depending on the conditions and the combination,” he added.
India has announced a balanced squad focused on flexibility and roles. Suryakumar Yadav leads the side, with Axar Patel named vice-captain.
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
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