3 IPL 2026 stars ignored by BCCI despite outstanding performances

The 2026 Indian Premier League was a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing high‑quality performances from some of the finest athletes. As the curtain fell on the 19th edition of the cash‑rich league, several players had built strong cases for inclusion in India’s T20I setup.

Yet, when the All India Senior Selection Committee met on June 6 in Mumbai to announce squads for the Ireland and England series, as well as the Asian Games, a few standout performers were left out. Here are three names who lit up IPL 2026 but couldn’t find a place in the squads:

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the standout seamer of IPL 2026. The right‑armer claimed 28 wickets in 16 games at an average of 17.89 and an economy of 7.95, narrowly missing out on the Purple Cap to Kagiso Rabada.

His efforts were instrumental in delivering another title for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). A recall would have completed a remarkable comeback arc, but the selectors chose otherwise.

2. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar had a season to remember, leading RCB to back‑to‑back titles, becoming only the third captain in IPL history to achieve that feat after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

Patidar wasn’t just tactically sharp; he was prolific with the bat too. He scored 501 runs at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 192.69, perfectly fitting India’s aggressive T20 template. Yet, his performances weren’t enough to sway the selectors.

3. Shubman Gill

Left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad, Shubman Gill responded in style during IPL 2026. He piled up 732 runs, the second‑highest in the season, averaging 45.75 at a strike rate of 163.02, with one century and six fifties.

Gill also led Gujarat Titans to a runners‑up finish, further enhancing his reputation as a capable leader. Alongside Patidar, he might have been considered a captaincy option since the selectors were looking beyond Suryakumar Yadav.