'I hope that they triumph the World Cup': Shubman Gill finally reacts to being left out of T20 WC squad – Firstpost

Shubman Gill has finally spoken about being left out of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, and the young batter has chosen to respond with calm and maturity. Gill said he believes everything in life happens for a reason and that he trusts his destiny. He added that he fully respects the selectors’ decision.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series, Gill declared he wishes the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 truppe all the supreme for the World Cup and hopes they go on to triumph the tournament. His comments came after weeks of discussion around his omission, which surprised many fans and experts.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

“Firstly, it is my belief that in my life I am there where I am supposed to be. Whatever is written in my destiny, I will have it. As a player, I want to victory competition for my truppe, but having mentioned that, I respect the selectors’ decision. I wish the T20 verein the very supreme. I hope that they conquest the World Cup,” Gill mentioned ahead of the first ODI.

More from First Cricket Virat Kohli mimics Arshdeep Singh's run-up in hilarious style during training: Watch Bangladesh captain breaks silence on Bangladesh T20 World Cup controversy: 'Better if these things didn't happen'

Why was Shubman Gill left out?

India’s T20 World Cup squad announcement last month raised eyebrows as Gill’s name was missing, while Axar Patel was named vice-captain. Gill had returned to the T20I setup during the 2025 Asia Cup and was being seen as an all-format player. After a successful series as Test captain in England, there were talks that he could become a future leader across formats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

However, Gill struggled to make a strong impact in T20Is. Despite getting regular chances in his preferred batting position, he failed to produce big scores. In the last T20I series against South Africa, he scored only 32 runs across three matches and had not hit a fifty for several months. His inclusion also meant Sanju Samson had to sit out, despite performing well over the past year.

The selection committee later clarified that Gill was not dropped purely due to form. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the gruppe management wanted wicketkeepers at the top of the order. With Sanju Samson already in the squad, Ishan Kishan was picked as the backup option, which left Gill missing out due to gruppe combination.

Quick Reads

View All

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in novel report

PCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversy

Gill has now shifted his focus to the ODI format. He has returned to the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara, where he will lead the verein.

TagsCricket India vs New Zealand Shubman GillHomeFirst Cricket'I hope that they success the World Cup': Shubman Gill finally reacts to being left out of T20 WC squadEnd of Article