‘It Was Tough’: Shubman Gill Opens Up on Missing Out on T20 World Cup 2026

Shubman Gill is omitted from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with India focusing on experienced players for the forthcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The series will test batting order stability and bowling flexibility while Gill seeks form in the three ODIs.

Shubman Gill, India’s ODI captain, spoke frankly about being dropped from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Gill said the selectors’ decision must be accepted and sent best wishes to the group travelling. Team management cited “team composition” and form in recent T20Is while naming Axar Patel as deputy to T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav instead of Gill.

Gill has struggled for runs in the shortest format in recent months, and injuries also disrupted rhythm. Despite disappointment, Gill chose a calm response when asked about his omission before the first ODI against New Zealand. "I respect the selectors' decision. All the best to the team for the T20 World Cup," he told reporters.

Shubman Gill T20 World Cup omission and personal mindset

Gill explained that personal belief remains strong despite missing the flight to T20 World Cup 2026. "I am where I have to be and whatever is written in my destiny no one can take that from me. A player always believes he will try his best for the country and the selectors have taken their decision," he added.

The upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand offers Gill a chance to reset in another format. India field a full-strength ODI squad at home, even as wider attention stays on the T20 World Cup, now less than a month away. Gill’s response with the bat, after being axed from the T20 side, will be watched closely.

Shubman Gill T20 World Cup decision and India’s ODI combinations

Gill’s return to the ODI XI is likely to affect the top order combination. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a maiden ODI hundred in the last game against South Africa, may lose his opening slot. The reshuffle shows India’s focus on experience for this series against a New Zealand side in transition.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma arrive in strong 50-over touch and should headline India’s batting. Both played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy league stage, where they made big scores and significant time in the middle. Their presence at the top adds stability as India host New Zealand at the new Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi.

Shreyas Iyer’s comeback is set to restore the familiar No. 4 position after several experiments. The 31-year-old is expected to walk straight into that slot, giving the middle order a settled look again. KL Rahul continues as wicketkeeper and lower-order batter, which leaves Rishabh Pant as the second-choice option in this format for now.

While Iyer, Pant and Mohammed Siraj were not involved in the early preparation sessions in Kotambi until Saturday, there was positive news elsewhere. Ravindra Jadeja trained at full intensity on Friday, signalling readiness for the ODI series. His return strengthens both the lower middle order and the spin department in home conditions.

Shubman Gill T20 World Cup context and bowling resources

Workload management shapes India’s bowling group for this series. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have been rested from ODIs to stay fresh for upcoming T20 duties. As a result, pace responsibilities fall on Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna across the three matches against New Zealand.

In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja share responsibility. Indian evening conditions, with flat pitches and potential dew, usually demand tight control rather than constant wicket-hunting. Spinners may therefore focus more on restricting scoring rates than attacking every over, especially during New Zealand’s middle-overs phase.

The Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi hosts a men’s international for the first time. Previously, the venue staged a women’s ODI series between India and West Indies. This debut adds an extra layer of interest for local fans, who will see Gill leading India’s ODI side in a new setting.

Shubman Gill T20 World Cup storyline and New Zealand’s new-look squad

For New Zealand, this ODI tour is less about past results and more about testing depth. Their loss to India in last year’s Champions Trophy final is not viewed as central to this series. Instead, management see these matches as a platform to assess new and second-line players in Indian conditions.

The Black Caps arrive without several frontline names but intend to keep faith with their established team approach. During their successful 2024-25 visit, when they beat India 3-0 in Tests, players often spoke of wanting to "fire the first shot". The latest group works under the mantra "you are where your feet are", encouraging focus on present tasks.

Key senior cricketers are unavailable for various reasons. Mitchell Santner misses the ODIs due to a groin injury, while Tom Latham remains at home for the birth of a first child. Former captain Kane Williamson is currently in South Africa, fulfilling T20 commitments in the SA20 league.

Rachin Ravindra and fast bowler Jacob Duffy have been rested from this leg of the tour. Matt Henry, coming back from a calf tear, is aiming to feature in the T20I series instead, with the World Cup in mind. In Santner’s absence, all-rounder Michael Bracewell captains the ODI side and will handle a bigger tactical role.

Kyle Jamieson and 23-year-old leg-spinner Adithya Ashok are among the players under extra observation. Their performances in Indian conditions could influence New Zealand’s future white-ball plans. Jayden Lennox joins as a like-for-like replacement for Santner, adding another spin option to a relatively inexperienced touring squad.

This ODI series therefore carries twin narratives. For India, it becomes a test of how Gill responds after the T20 World Cup snub while senior batters steady the line-up. For New Zealand, it is a chance to trial fresh faces, guided by familiar mantras, before the focus swings back fully to T20 World Cup 2026.