ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: India selectors' brave and honest selection

As India's squad announcement for the ICC Men's T20 World 2026 drew closer, everyone, including me, felt Shubman Gill would surely be included, being billed as an all-format player. But when the team was announced, it was clear the selectors had other ideas, and Gill's name was missing.

Gill had two terrific IPL seasons and is a class act. But a freak injury in the Test against South Africa didn't let him ease into form as he looked out of sorts in the home series. 

This is where the selectors and the captain felt that, with just five matches left for Team India before the World Cup, it would be better to go with someone in good nick and therefore took the punt on Sanju Samson. 

By picking Samson, India have two openers who can maximise the power play. Moreover, Sanju is not the same player when he is sent to bat in the middle overs, and when set, he can take down the spinners too. 

Moreover, he is a wicketkeeper, which allows India to play an allrounder or a specialist batter instead of designating the keeper's role to another individual. So it is not about what it could be, it is about what it is, and the selectors took a practical decision to drop Gill. And remember, with India's captain struggling too for form, India could ill afford to go into the World Cup with two players in the top four not in great touch.

Moreover, by bringing in Ishan Kishan, the selectors have sent a message about the significance of grinding it out in domestic cricket. In the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ishan scored 517 runs at a strike rate of 197.32 and an average of 57.44. So, in case the Men in Blue decide to pick both Sanju and Ishan in the XI, it'll give them versatility as the latter is a southpaw.

Also, in the form of Rinku Singh, India now have a specialist finisher who has done exceedingly well for his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and has also proven his mettle in the limited opportunities he has had for Team India.

Additionally, he is a gun fielder and can swing momentum India's way in cliffhangers. Therefore, I believe India have all the bases covered and would be the team to beat at the signature ICC event.