Gautam Gambhir reportedly overruled Ajit Agarkar to exclude Shubman Gill from India’s 2026 T20 World Cup team. A recent report suggests that his injury could have been utilized as a justification.
Gill Dropped, Questions Raised: Did Gambhir Override Ajit Agarkar in WC Call?
Men’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has been alleged to have overridden BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar to advocate for removing Shubman Gill from India’s 2026 T20 World Cup team.
A report from news agency PTI indicates that Gill’s exclusion was essentially determined midweek, after the fourth T20I in Lucknow between India and South Africa was called off due to smog, rather than on the day of the official announcement.
The report referenced BCCI sources to assert that Shubman had not been notified by the selectors, nor by captain Suryakumar Yadav or Gambhir, until the morning of the announcement.
The report indicated that the team management had already progressed beyond Gill, utilizing a minor toe injury later as a convenient way out, even though Gill was prepared to participate in the fifth match in Ahmedabad. The report indicated that the injury was initially suspected to be a hairline fracture, but it was later confirmed to be just a minor bruise.
“On December 16th in Lucknow, Shubman Gill incurred an impact injury to his right foot while practicing in the nets.” “According to a statement from the BCCI prior to the match, he has consulted a specialist and received treatment from the BCCI medical team, showing improvement; however, he will not be available for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad.“
Gill was substituted by Sanju Samson, who has now become the preferred opener for the World Cup.
The report indicated that Gill’s lackluster performance against South Africa (32 runs over three matches) played a role in the decision, but a past selector suggests the timing signifies a ‘course correction’ by Ajit Agarkar’s panel, heavily influenced by Gambhir, who is recognized for valuing results more than stability.
“Designating him as vice-captain for the Asia Cup based on his remarkable performance in the England Test was a poor decision since Sanju (Samson) had committed no errors; dropping him merely five matches ahead of the T20 World Cup suggests that Agarkar’s panel is making a necessary adjustment.” “The decision reflects more influence from the head coach, who is not typically recognized for ensuring continuity,” the former national selector stated.
Suryakumar’s performance has also been lackluster since Gill was elevated to the top of the order. Nonetheless, in such scenarios, captains frequently receive additional support, while the Mumbaikar enjoys the advantage of having spent much of the last couple of years as the top T20I batsman globally.
The report indicated that this choice might foster mistrust within the team and put a strain on Gill’s rapport with Gambhir, noting that if Suryakumar’s performance doesn’t enhance, his position may also face risks.