Reports: Shubman Gill informed about T20 World Cup snub shortly before squad announcement

After a disappointing run with the willow in the shortest format, Shubman Gill has been left out of India's squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. During his wretched run of form, Shubman scored just 291 runs from his last 15 T20Is at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26.

On Saturday, December 20, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the squad for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 9. One of the major talking points from the 15-man squad was the absence of Shubman, who had been appointed India's vice-captain in T20 cricket in September, ahead of the Asia Cup.

As per reports from Cricbuzz, Shubman was informed about his snub on Saturday afternoon, shortly before the BCCI revealed the T20 World Cup squad and the team for the preceding New Zealand series from its office around 2 pm. The late timing of the call reportedly left little room for anticipation or clarity.

Shubman had left Ahmedabad, the venue for Friday's fifth T20I between India and South Africa, and was on his way to Chandigarh when the news was handed to him. While there is no confirmation about who conveyed the decision, the report suggests that India's Test and ODI skipper was informed while in transit, learning of the call-up outcome moments before the public announcement.

Shubman was reportedly taken aback by the decision, as he was preparing to play in the T20 World Cup and the preceding series against New Zealand.

Shubman injured his right foot while batting in the nets ahead of the fourth T20I against South Africa earlier this week. He missed the fixture but was looking to get fit ahead of the fifth game. However, the BCCI medical staff urged caution, and the 26-year-old had to watch the action from the sidelines.

Sanju Samson replaced Shubman in the XI and scored a brisk 37 off just 22 balls, setting the platform for India to post a mammoth 231/5 in the first innings. The Proteas were restricted to 201/8, handing India a 30-run win as they bagged the series 3-1.

As far as the T20 World Cup squad is concerned, the selectors recalled Ishan Kishan as the backup opener after the southpaw led Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this week and also finished as the highest run-getter.