Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa expressed surprise at Shubman Gill's exclusion from the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Gill's selection seemed certain as he had been appointed vice-captain of the Indian T20 team and was also given the role of opener.
However, Shubman Gill struggled with his form. The 26-year-old played 15 T20 International matches since his return, scoring 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26. In the recently concluded five-match T20 International series against South Africa, Gill played three matches and scored only 32 runs before being ruled out of the series due to injury.
The Indian team recently announced its squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, excluding Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma. Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh were included in their place.
What Uthappa said:
Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube channel that Indian cricket is currently in uncharted territory, where it's difficult to make any predictions. The former cricketer said he thought Gill would definitely get a place in the team, even if the vice-captaincy was taken away from him.
"Indian cricket. It's uncharted territory. You think a prediction will work, and then the team is announced. I'm not saying this team isn't good. It's a very good team, but there are definitely some broken hearts, and it doesn't feel good. Anyone who plays cricket knows how bad Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma must be feeling. My sympathies are with them."
Felt bad for Gill:
Uthappa further added, "You feel bad for Shubman Gill because he's the captain of the Test and ODI teams. It's a very bad situation. I thought someone else could be made vice-captain, but he should have definitely been in the team." Even if he wasn't part of the playing XI, he would still find a place as the third opener. Jitesh didn't do anything wrong either. He performed well.'
Too many surprises might cause problems.
Uthappa said that too many surprises in the Indian team might cause problems later on. He said, 'I am very happy for Sanju Samson. He has made it to the top order along with Abhishek Sharma. Of course, we don't know if there will be more surprises. If Kishan gets a chance to open, then what will be Sanju's place? How can you predict that? But this is what's happening in Indian cricket. It's completely mind-boggling.'
The former Indian cricketer further added, 'The big concern is that anything can happen, and this feeling of insecurity shouldn't creep in. That's what I'm worried about. But that's how it is. Best wishes to the Indian team. I hope the Indian team performs well. Shubman and Jitesh, this time will pass. Stay strong.'
The Indian team will play five T20 International matches before the World Cup. The players selected for the T20 World Cup will participate in these matches.
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