India’s squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup has stirred quite a buzz. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Axar Patel as the vice-captain, marking a notable change: Shubman Gill, the captain of the Test and ODI teams, won’t be part of the T20 lineup. With just under 50 days until the tournament kicks off, this decision comes after weeks of speculation about Gill’s performance and fit within the team.
Gill’s recent stats show he scored 291 runs in 15 innings, averaging 24.25 with a strike rate of 137.26. Many believed he was safe in the squad, yet this sudden change has created quite a stir. Sources indicate that while the decision to drop Gill was tough, it was pivotal for the team’s success, especially as India enters the competition as defending champions.
Team insiders shared, “We realized our plan with Gill wasn’t working. It was a matter of when to make the change, and we chose selection day.” The strategy seems to lean toward reinstating Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh, especially after Gill’s recent toe injury during practice.
Surprisingly, this shake-up has garnered mainly positive reactions. It sends a clear message: no player is untouchable, and the focus is entirely on what wins games. While Gill struggles, captain Suryakumar Yadav is also having a rough patch, scoring only 244 runs in his last 22 innings. However, changing the captain so close to a major event was never on the table. Insiders describe it as “foolish” to disrupt leadership at this stage.
As this announcement takes hold, it’s notable that India has performed well in recent ICC events, losing just one game and securing two titles. With all eyes on the upcoming 2026 tournament, fans and analysts alike wonder how Yadav and his team will strategize to defend their title.
In the realm of cricket, adaptability is key. The reactions on social media reflect a mix of support and curiosity about the team’s dynamics and how quickly they can find their rhythm before the big stage. As the tournament approaches, the question remains: will these changes propel India to victory once again?
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