Agarkar asserted that Gill's ommission had nothing to do with the 25-year-old's form and was more about the combination that the team was looking for at the top of the batting order. (ANI Photo)
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh lauded the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for the squad that they have assembled for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Harbhajan acknowledged that dropping Shubman Gill would not have been an easy decision and hailed the inclusions of the likes of Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan.
“I give chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the management 10 out of 10. It must have been tough to leave out Shubman Gill, but it is not the end for him in T20s. The team combination was the priority. I am very happy Rinku Singh is in the team, and Ishan Kishan has also returned. We spoke about him being in contention, and he got a spot. He is in good form,” said Harbhajan on Star Sports.
Shubman Gill’s ommission was the biggest standout by some margin in the announcement. While Gill’s form was such that it shouldn’t have been much of a surprise if he wasn’t named, the fact that he had been made vice captain of the team after being made captain of the Indian Test and ODI teams is what made it look like he could be immune from the drop despite his struggles. In the end, though, both captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar asserted that Gill’s ommission had nothing to do with the 25-year-old’s form and was more about the combination that the team was looking for at the top of the batting order.
Axar Patel had been reinstated as vice-captain with Gill no longer in the picture. “Having Axar Patel as vice-captain is a very good decision. Overall, they have done a very good job. I hope the team plays well and wins the cup,” said Harbhajan.
Harbhajan said that Gill should take this development in his stride, stating that this is by no means the end of the road for him in T20s. “Gill being left out does not make him a lesser player. We know his quality in any format. He is a very well-prepared player. When he plays, he can outshine others. This is not the end for him. A player will feel this setback, but I am sure the management or Ajit Agarkar will talk to him.
“This is a small setback, but he will learn from it. He is a mature captain and player. He should use this as motivation to become even better. If I could tell him, I would say this is the beginning of something big for him,” said Harbhajan.