Shubman Gill was informed of his omission from India’s T20 squad on Saturday afternoon, shortly before the BCCI officially announced the team around 2 pm. The selection committee named the T20 World Cup squad along with the team for the upcoming New Zealand series at the BCCI headquarters, and Gill was taken aback by his exclusion.
According to sources, Gill had departed Ahmedabad earlier on Saturday and was travelling back to Chandigarh when he was informed of the decision. While it remains unclear who contacted him, the development reportedly came as a surprise, with Gill having been mentally prepared for both the World Cup and the New Zealand series.
Sources further revealed that Gill had been gearing up to feature in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa on Friday. He had missed the abandoned fourth T20I in Lucknow due to a niggle in his right foot but was willing to play the final game even if it required taking painkillers. However, he was advised not to risk worsening the injury with the World Cup approaching.
Announcing his injury, the BCCI stated:
“Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on December 16 in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and receiving treatment from the BCCI medical team, he is improving.”
Gill To Play Vijay Hazare As Samson Secures T20I Opening Spot
Sanju Samson replaced him in Ahmedabad and has since established himself as India’s preferred opening partner for Abhishek Sharma in the upcoming T20Is, with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan serving as the third opening option in the squad. Now back in Chandigarh, Gill is set to represent Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy before linking up with the Indian side for the three-match ODI series in early January.
Although the ODI squad is yet to be announced, it is widely expected that Gill, who missed the recent three-match ODI series against South Africa, will return to lead the side.
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