Indian selectors have left the cricketing world in shock by omitting Shubman Gill from the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the five-match T20I collection towards New Zealand. Shubman Gill, regardless of being vice-captain within the T20Is, has been disregarded utterly because the staff focuses on type, steadiness and an affect position on the high.
In September, Shubman Gill returned to India’s T20I staff, additionally as vice-captain. The selectors have been trying to make him the all-format captain after handing him the reins of the Check and ODI groups. Nonetheless, Gill didn’t reside as much as expectations within the shorter format of the sport.
Shubman Gill steps down, Axar Patel appointed as India’s new vice-captain
Following a collection of poor performances, Shubman Gill was dropped from the T20I squad and in a daring transfer, Axar Patel was appointed vice-captain to help Suryakumar Yadav within the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The skilled all-rounder brings stability and management expertise to the staff.
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The Indian all-rounder beforehand served as vice-captain when Gill was rested for the house T20I collection towards England, and this time he has bagged the massive honor for subsequent yr’s World Cup and residential collection towards the Black Caps.
Axar Patel nominated over Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah
Curiously, Indian selectors picked Axar forward of the likes of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah regardless of his good efficiency. Pandya and Bumrah beforehand captained India in T20Is however have been neglected as spin all-rounders.
His expertise as captain of Delhi Capitals within the IPL additional enhances Axar’s credentials. DC began IPL 2025 effectively beneath him however completed in fifth place after a blended efficiency. His IPL management and serving as stand-in vice-captain of the Indian staff made him a protected alternative for the selectors.
Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated, “Shubman was the vice-captain. He isn’t within the staff. Up to now, when the T20s clashed, Axar was the vice-captain. For continuity, we’re mixtures.”
Axar Patel turns into X-Issue: Sunil Gavaskar
In the meantime, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar predicted that Axar Patel shall be India’s X-factor within the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. He famous Axar’s aggressive batting, deft variations in bowling, sturdy fielding, and praised his capacity to make an affect with each bat and ball.
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Sunil Gavaskar advised Geo Star: “Axar Patel, the vice-captain. He is top-notch with the bat and the ball. His batting has actually improved. He can hit the ball wherever. He is bowling, altering tempo, bowling previous the crease. He is bowling.”
Grip energy and turning capacity are obtained by bringing about pace adjustments. He’s additionally a wonderful fielder. He’ll be the X-factor. You should utilize him at No. 5 or 6 and you’ll bowl him within the first six overs. he can do this. He and Hardik Pandya would be the two. ”
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand collection:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (week), Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (week), Rinku Singh.
