Yograj Singh criticised the selectors for dropping Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad and said great players like Kapil Dev were backed despite lean phases.
Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has strongly criticised the exclusion of Shubman Gill from India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. The father of former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh questioned the selectors’ decision to drop Gill despite naming him vice-captain last year and dragged legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev into the debate to highlight the need for patience with top players.
Gill struggled for consistency in the shortest format, which led the selectors to move on from him and appoint Axar Patel as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup. However, Yograj said the decision showed a lack of faith in a young player who has already been entrusted with leadership responsibility.
“Shubman Gill is a vice-captain. What is the reason behind dropping him? Just because he failed in 4-5 innings? Indian cricketers have had so many players who have barely managed to perform in 10 matches out of 100 opportunities,” Yograj told Ravi Bisht on YouTube.
Yograj further questioned whether similar standards would be applied to other young players in the future. “They still played; you already know the reason why. Young Abhishek Sharma arrived a couple of years ago. If he fails four innings will you drop him as well?” he added.
Yograj Singh Gives Kapil Dev’s Example
The outspoken former cricketer said the selectors should have backed Gill the way Kapil Dev was supported during a difficult phase early in his career. Yograj recalled how Kapil continued to get opportunities despite not performing consistently at the time.
“Let me give you an example of the ‘great’ Kapil Dev. When we toured Pakistan with Bishan Singh Bedi as captain, Kapil Dev continued to play matches despite failing with bat and ball. But Bishan Singh Bedi still took him on the subsequent tour of England.”
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Meanwhile, Gill recently reflected on his journey through 2025 and shared a message of gratitude as he looks ahead to the new season.
“2025, you were truly special to me. So many lessons, experiences, and memories to be grateful for. Carrying it all forward into 2026,” Gill wrote while sharing a reel on his official Instagram handle.
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