Social Media Reacts Strongly to Shubman Gill’s T20 World Cup Omission

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on December 20, 2025, that batter Shubman Gill will not be part of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. This decision also excludes him from the five-match T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand, which begins on January 21, 2026, in Nagpur. The announcement marks a significant shift in the team dynamics, as Gill has been a prominent player in recent outings.

The T20 World Cup is set to commence on February 6, 2026, and the Indian squad is aiming to finalize its roster ahead of this crucial tournament. The selection committee’s decision to drop Gill has raised eyebrows, particularly as it comes after his underwhelming performances in recent matches. In his place, Ishan Kishan has been included in the squad, following a standout performance against Haryana in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) final.

Public Reaction to the Selection

The announcement elicited strong reactions on social media, with many cricket fans expressing their opinions on Gill’s exclusion. Numerous users took to various platforms to voice their satisfaction, citing his inconsistent performances as a key reason for the decision. Some fans have argued that the team needs players who can consistently deliver results, particularly in high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup.

Additionally, Axar Patel has been appointed as the new vice-captain of the team, taking over from Gill. This move reflects the selection committee’s strategy to enhance leadership within the squad as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.

As the T20I series against New Zealand approaches, the Indian team faces the dual task of solidifying its lineup and addressing the sentiments of fans regarding the changes. The decisions made now will be critical as India aims to reclaim its position in international cricket at the World Cup.

The next few weeks will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding the team as they prepare for the competition, with eyes on how the new lineup performs in the lead-up to the World Cup.