Former India cricketer WV Raman believes Shubman Gill’s omission stems from the team management’s preference for a more contemporary, T20-specific batter. The selectors took a bold decision by leaving out the vice-captain for the 2026 T20 World Cup, following his underwhelming returns in the shortest format since making his comeback during the 2025 Asia Cup.
Gill was afforded an extended run as India’s T20I opener on the back of his success in longer formats. However, his performances across the Asia Cup and the bilateral series against Australia and South Africa failed to meet expectations, as he managed just 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26.
With an eye on aggression and balance, the team management is expected to continue with the opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, whose explosiveness and understanding have paid dividends. Additionally, the in-form Ishan Kishan has been drafted in as the reserve opener, offering the added advantage of a wicketkeeper at the top of the order.
Raman added that Gill’s talent is unquestioned, but selection decisions ultimately hinge on how well a player adapts to the demands of a particular format.
“Gill hasn’t been dropped for any significant fault of his. Just that the players around him are more explosive than him, a quality that is essential in modern-day T20 cricket. In an imaginary scenario, it is almost like choosing K Srikkanth over Sunil Gavaskar for the T20 format, knowing full well who the better batter in the format actually could be.”
“That’s why I was wondering why it was necessary to make him the T20 vice-captain at that stage, when so many others fit the T20 bill so well,” WV Raman told the Times of India.
“Don’t Feel Lesser” – WV Raman’s Message To Shubman Gill After Snub
In a rapid turn of events, Shubman Gill has gone from being seen as a likely World Cup starter to finding himself on the sidelines. The team management’s vision of grooming an all-format captain has suffered a setback amid late changes to the Indian lineup. However, WV Raman has advised the star batter to remain positive and remember that he continues to be among the finest batters in the game today.
“If I was his coach, I would have told him that there is no place for emotion in a player’s life. It is a decision that has been taken with the team composition in mind and Gill should not think for a second that he has become a lesser player,” WV Raman said.
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