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In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket fans BCCI announced the 15-member squad for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 along with the five-match T20I series against New Zealand creating massive buzz on social media. Suryakumar Yadav retains captaincy with Axar Patel elevated as vice-captain while former vice-captain Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma suffer shocking exclusions. The announcement came from Mumbai’s BCCI headquarters on December 20 2025 attended by secretary Devajit Saikia captain Suryakumar and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad composition and key inclusions
India‘s T20 World Cup 2026 squad blends explosive batting all-round depth and potent bowling, The batting lineup features power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma (recent aggressor) Suryakumar, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and recalled Ishan Kishan who returns after strong domestic showings. All-rounders Hardik Pandya (blitzed 63 off 25 in recent T20I) Axar, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar provide balance. Bowling boasts pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah alongside Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana plus spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav offering variety on expected spin-friendly pitches.
This same squad prepares via New Zealand T20Is from January 21-31 2026 ahead of the World Cup starting February 7 where India defends their 2024 title won against South Africa. Three ODIs precede from January 11-18 with that squad pending.
Shubman Gill’s exclusion sparks outrage among fans
Gill’s omission despite prior vice-captaincy in South Africa T20Is has fans furious with #JusticeForGill trending nationwide. Chief selector Agarkar cited Gill’s underwhelming T20I form—291 runs in 15 innings at 24.25 average strike rate 137.26 no fifties—a foot injury sidelined him recently.
Social media erupted as fans gave a mixed reaction on BCCI’s call. Jitesh also missed out as Kishan and Rinku prioritized for finishing prowess. Agarkar emphasized squad balance favouring current impact over potential. Gill’s IPL success contrasts T20I struggles prompting debates on his aggressive evolution needed for T20s.
As India eye back-to-back titles under Suryakumar this bold call tests selection gambles but underscores ruthless T20 meritocracy. Fans await Gill’s response in IPL 2026.
Also READ: Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan & Rinku Singh return as India unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Here’s how fans reacted:
You gotta feel for Shubman Gill 😭
— Monster Man (@manmonster128)
No Shubman Gill in India’s 15-member T20 World Cup squad? 😲
— Perez Messi (Fan Account) (@kedingaperez)
NO SHUBMAN GILL IN THE T20 WORLD CUP SQUAD OF INDIA.
— sports news (@sports141625)
Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar are so unpredictable that they dropped Shubman Gill from the squad lol.
— Swapnil (@mycatoons)
Gautam Gambhir dropping Shubman Gill from the T20 WC 2026 squad
— RAM (@Ind_RAM_)
Justice for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill 😭
— 🅰️ J (@EHuman0)
No Shubman Gill? Fans right now
— शिक्षकों की आवाज़ (@special_cwsn)
Shubman Gill team me fit nhi hai
— Shubham Yadav (@yadav_shubham12)
Shubman Gill dropped from India's T20 world cup squad
— Shubham Mishra⛳🇮🇳🔱 (@ACHINTYA__666)
Run to kisi aur ke bhi nahi aa rahe the par nikala sirf mujhe gaya
— Sagar (@sagarcasm)
Funny how people who’ve never faced a tennis ball think they’re experts on Shubman Gill.
One bad phase and the keyboards come out.
Talent stays. Noise fades. 💥
Screenshots this – he’ll silence you all again.— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse)
Shubman Gill SACKED 🤡
— Ankit (@CricCrazyAnkit)
