Shubman Gill Dropped at Last Moment from India’s T20 World Cup Squad
Shubman Gill Dropped at Last Moment from India’s T20 World Cup Squad
Toe niggle leads to a cautious call as Gill misses the T20 World Cup squad; Sanju Samson could get a top-order chance.
Hours before the squad announcement in Mumbai, Shubman Gill’s spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad was in jeopardy because of a toe niggle that had kept him out of the most recent fixtures. The camp chose not to risk rushing him back for the fifth T20I against South Africa, even though there were talks of a possible injection. The prevailing view was to protect the player for the New Zealand T20Is and the World Cup, prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term gains. A team source indicated the injury was minor with no fracture, but the cautious approach prevailed to avoid a setback.
In the days leading up to the selection, there was internal talk about Sanju Samson potentially stepping in. Samson had a taste of top-order duties during recent assignments, and a notable performance in Lucknow—where he contributed a breezy 22-ball 37 and a 63-run stand with Abhishek Sharma—fed the discussion that Gill could be rotated out for the squad. This development, combined with Gill’s earlier role of opening with Abhishek during the Asia Cup, meant Samson’s preferred position and role were under review, with the management weighing long-term balance for the World Cup.
Gill’s exclusion marks a rare moment of management assertiveness, aimed at maintaining a steady unit rather than chasing a single high-profile return. Gill had previously opened with Abhishek Sharma during the Asia Cup, and Samson had been pushed down the order, a role he reportedly found uncomfortable. The decision-makers emphasized that Shubman Gill’s potential to contribute in future assignments remains intact, while the current plan centers on peak fitness and a cohesive squad dynamic for a high-stakes tournament.
