Overview
- The BCCI confirmed a 15-member squad led by Suryakumar Yadav, reinstated Axar Patel as deputy, and set Sanju Samson to open with Abhishek Sharma for the World Cup and the New Zealand T20Is starting January 21.
- Gill’s omission follows a modest T20I run since September, with 291 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of about 137 and no half-centuries.
- Mohammad Kaif accused the Ajit Agarkar-led panel of “zero planning,” saying the flip-flop cost Axar vital leadership preparation and delayed opportunities for alternatives like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Samson and Jitesh Sharma.
- Former coach WV Raman argued the call reflects role-based preferences for more explosive hitters rather than any fault in Gill, likening it to choosing K Srikkanth over Sunil Gavaskar for a T20 role.
- Robin Uthappa contended the selectors avoided carrying two out-of-form batters by retaining captain Suryakumar Yadav and leaving out Gill, while some commentary speculated about coach Gautam Gambhir’s philosophy influencing selection.