The selection of India's squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup has stirred considerable debate, with veteran commentator Sanjay Manjrekar suggesting that Shubman Gill's omission is the "selectors rectifying a mistake". Meanwhile, the inclusion of Ishan Kishan has been met with widespread celebration from former cricketers and fans alike.
Gill's exclusion has raised eyebrows, considering his potential and past performances. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the decision was influenced by the team's need to explore different top-order combinations and that Gill remains a vital part of India's plans in other formats. Agarkar reassured that the selectors continue to have faith in Gill's abilities.
Manjrekar's comment implies a perceived error in previous selections or team compositions, though he did not elaborate further. His statement adds fuel to the ongoing discussion about team selection strategies and the balance between rewarding consistent performers and providing opportunities to emerging talent.
Ishan Kishan's comeback to the squad has been particularly well-received. After being dropped from the national side, Kishan returned to domestic cricket to work on his form and confidence. His efforts culminated in a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaign, where he led Jharkhand to their first-ever title. Kishan finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer, amassing 517 runs in 10 innings with two centuries and two half-centuries. His impressive strike rate of over 197 and a century in the final against Haryana solidified his claim for a spot in the World Cup squad.
"I am very happy," Kishan told ANI, expressing his delight at returning to the national squad. He also acknowledged his pride in Jharkhand's SMAT victory, emphasizing the collective effort of the team.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan and Venkatesh Prasad are among those who have publicly celebrated Kishan's return. Social media has been abuzz with positive reactions, highlighting Kishan's resilience and his potential to contribute to the team's success in the T20 World Cup.
Kishan's inclusion provides the team with a dynamic left-handed batting option who can also keep wickets. His aggressive style and ability to bat in different positions make him a valuable asset to the squad. He is seen as a second wicketkeeper-batter option. He last played a T20I for India against Australia in late 2023.
The T20 World Cup squad will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Axar Patel as the vice-captain. Other notable inclusions are Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Rinku Singh. The team is set to participate in an upcoming T20I series against New Zealand as part of their preparations for the World Cup.
