'It must have been tough to leave him out, but it is not the end for him in T20s' - Former India spinner on Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup snub

Harbhajan Singh shared his views on India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. He spoke about Shubman Gill's exclusion and Axar Patel being reappointed as India's vice-captain in the shortest format.

The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, met in Mumbai on Saturday, December 20, to finalise India's 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, which commences on February 7. One of the major talking points was vice-captain Shubman's snub.

Harbhajan believes that the selectors were spot on with their decisions and backed Shubman to make his way back into the setup.

“I give chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the management 10 out of 10. It must have been tough to leave out Shubman Gill, but it is not the end for him in T20s. The team combination was the priority," Harbhajan said on JioStar’s Follow the Blues.

Harbhajan also shared his happiness after Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan were recalled. The legendary cricketer also explained that Jitesh Sharma missed out because the Men in Blue already picked a lot of options for the No. 7 and 8 slots in the batting order.

“I am very happy Rinku Singh is in the team, and Ishan Kishan has also returned. We spoke about him being in contention, and he got a spot. He is in good form. They did not take Jitesh Sharma because they already have enough batters for number seven or eight,” the cricketer-turned-expert opined.

Having Axar Patel as vice-captain is a very good decision: Harbhajan

Axar Patel was stripped of vice-captaincy in T20Is ahead of the Asia Cup in September, and Shubman was appointed. However, the spin-bowling all-rounder has been reinstated in the role after the experiment with the Punjab batter didn't work out as envisaged. Harbhajan supported the decision wholeheartedly.

“With Gill out, you need a powerful hitter at the top who can also keep wicket, so these two changes are good. Having Axar Patel as vice-captain is a very good decision. Overall, they have done a very good job. I hope the team plays well and wins the cup," Harbhajan said.