Gill axed, Axar named vice-captain; Ishan returns as India name T20 WC squad; Harbhajan commends selection

In a surprising development, defending champions India have left out Shubman Gill from its squad for next year’s T20 World Cup and T20s against New Zealand.

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In the squad announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Axar Patel has been named as the vice captain.

Apart from Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma misses out as Ishan Kishan makes a stunning return to the team, following his explosive form leading Jharkhand to a recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh also makes his return to the T20I team after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa.

"We are looking at combinations. Our thought was to have another keeper. Gill is a quality player, unfortunate to miss out, but it is the combination we want. Ishan bats at the top, he has been in good form, and played before for India.

"He wasn't there because Jurel and Pant were ahead. Sanju is at the top. Ishan at the top. That is the combination we are looking at right now. We felt he is the best backup keeper at this point,” said Agarkar.

The 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, to be held from Feb.7 to March 8, will have 40 group matches scheduled to be played till February 20. Top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super Eights starting on February 21.