Shubman Gill dropped from T20 WC 2026: 3 Reasons it works, 2 why it backfires

3 Reasons why it’s "Good"

1. Powerplay Aggression:

Selectors prioritized explosive hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, whose strike rates (180+) far exceed Gill’s recent 137.26.

2. Tactical Wicketkeeping

Dropping a specialist batter allowed India to pick two keeper-openers (Samson and Ishan Kishan), creating room for finishers like Rinku Singh in the 15-member squad.

3. Current Form over Name

Gill has gone 18 T20I innings without a fifty. The move rewards domestic performers like Ishan Kishan, who hit 517 runs at a 197 strike rate in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

2 Reasons why it’s "Risky"

1. Loss of a Big-Match Player

On slower Indian pitches, Gill’s "anchor" role provides stability. Without him, the top order risks being "all or nothing," which can be fatal in low-scoring knockout games.

2. Leadership Instability

Gill was the vice-captain until this week. Dropping the designated future leader and current Test/ODI captain so abruptly creates confusion and a leadership vacuum just before a home World Cup.

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