Suryakumar Yadav kept his T20I captaincy despite struggling, whereas Shubman Gill was left out.
The captaincy might have been the sole factor maintaining Suryakumar Yadav in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 plans.
Why Suryakumar Yadav Was Retained Despite Poor Form
Shubman Gill’s unexpected exclusion made headlines, but the more significant insight from the squad announcement was what it indicated about SKY’s uncertain status. Both hitters have faced difficulties — only one has endured.
Gill, captain of India’s Test and ODI teams, faced consequences for a tepid comeback to T20Is. In 15 innings, he accumulated 291 runs with a strike rate slightly exceeding 137 — figures considered inadequate in a format that requires quick contributions.
Suryakumar’s statistics are even more dismal.
India’s T20I captain has accumulated only 218 runs over 19 innings this year with a strike rate of 123.2 — his poorest run since entering international cricket. However, in contrast to Gill, SKY remained on the aircraft.
As per a PTI report, it was leadership — rather than form — that influenced the outcome.
“SKY, due to his role as captain, maintained his position despite a terrible year, while Gill struggled since his performance appeared less influential than that of Abhishek Sharma,” the report said.
The implication is clear: the captaincy merely granted Suryakumar some extra time, nothing else.
That cushion might be slim. The same report delivered an unequivocal message — scoring runs is essential in Gautam Gambhir’s team.
“Anyone familiar with Gambhir understands that, for him, ‘winning is not just important but the sole focus’.” “Today it was Gill; tomorrow it might be Suryakumar,” the report mentioned.
With Gill omitted, the selectors reiterated their confidence in Sanju Samson, retaining the wicketkeeper-batter in the team. Samson validated that selection with a smooth 37 from 22 in the fifth T20I versus South Africa.