Gill, widely regarded as one of India’s premier young batters, is unlikely to be omitted from the 15-member World Cup squad. However, his lack of substantial scores in recent months has sparked serious debate within the selection committee. Since September, Gill has featured in the Asia Cup and the bilateral series against Australia, but his highest score during this period has been just 47, raising questions about his consistency in the shortest format.
The concerns extend beyond individual numbers. Gill’s role as an opener has had a ripple effect on the team’s batting order, pushing Sanju Samson down the order, where he has struggled to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, selectors are reportedly uneasy about Gill’s tendency to start cautiously in T20 matches, which often places immediate pressure on his opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, to attack from the outset.
In this context, the selectors are weighing alternative combinations. The report notes that players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in strong form, or Ishan Kishan, who is also performing well, could provide a more aggressive opening option and ease the burden on younger batters. Gill’s vice-captaincy is also under quiet review, although no official decision has been communicated.
The BCCI retains the option to make changes to the named squad until the start of the tournament on February 7. This flexibility has precedent, as seen earlier this year during the Champions Trophy, when Varun Chakravarthy replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal after slow pitch conditions in Dubai influenced team strategy.
Beyond Gill, leadership questions are also hovering over the T20 setup. The upcoming World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, could potentially be the final global T20 event for Suryakumar Yadav as India’s captain. At 35, Suryakumar has endured an extended lean patch, going nearly 14 months and 24 matches without a significant performance. Despite this, he continues to retain his place, largely due to his leadership role.
The selection committee is expected to name the T20 squad for the New Zealand series alongside the World Cup squad, with both teams likely to be identical. At present, there appear to be no vacant slots, though Gill’s position has repeatedly come under scrutiny as Jaiswal waits in the wings. There is also speculation that Jaiswal could be named as an additional player for the New Zealand series to keep him match-ready should conditions or form necessitate a late change.
Currently, the reserve opener’s role belongs to Sanju Samson, who, according to the report, was moved from his preferred position after a strategic reshuffle by the selection committee and team think tank.
As the countdown to the T20 World Cup continues, the BCCI faces critical decisions that could shape India’s campaign. Balancing form, experience, leadership and team combination will be central to the final call, with Gill’s situation symbolising the broader challenges of selection in a high-stakes global tournament.
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