Harbhajan Singh backs Shubman Gill to make a brilliant comeback

India’s selectors have left out star batter Shubman Gill from the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand and the all-important ICC T20 World Cup 2026. In Gill’s absence, Sanju Samson has emerged as one of the preferred opening options, signaling a shift in the team’s approach at the top of the order. The move has sparked discussion among fans and experts, given Gill’s stature and consistent performances across formats. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the decision, offering a balanced perspective on Gill’s omission. According to Harbhajan, the call is less about Gill’s individual ability and more about the overall composition of the team.

Harbhajan Singh shows support for Shubman Gill after T20 World Cup 2026 snub

Harbhajan Singh explained that team balance plays a crucial role in T20 cricket, where flexibility, multi-skill players, and role clarity often influence selection choices. Harbhajan also pointed to the intense competition within India’s T20 setup as a key factor behind Gill’s exclusion. With several batters vying for limited spots and different skill sets required for the shortest format, even established players can find themselves on the sidelines. He stressed that Gill remains a high-quality cricketer and that such decisions are part of a competitive environment rather than a reflection of a dip in form or potential.

The former India spinner believes that Shubman Gill’s absence from the T20I setup should not be seen as a setback to his overall standing in Indian cricket. He pointed out that Gill continues to possess a technically sound and elegant batting style, describing it as one of the young batter’s greatest strengths. According to him, such a solid technique provides a strong foundation that will eventually help Gill find his way back into the T20 side when the conditions and team requirements align in his favour.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also urged fans and critics to look at the bigger picture, reminding everyone that Shubman Gill remains a central figure in India’s plans across other formats. Despite missing out on T20I selection, the 26-year-old continues to hold leadership responsibilities, captaining the Indian team in both Test cricket and One-Day Internationals. That role, he noted, underlines the immense trust and confidence the selectors and team management have placed in Gill’s abilities.

He added that leadership at such a young age is not handed out lightly and reflects the belief in Gill’s temperament, consistency, and long-term potential. Rather than viewing his T20 omission as a demotion, the spinner suggested it should be seen as part of India’s strategic rotation, with Gill still very much viewed as a cornerstone of the team’s future.

“It is not a signal for Gill. He was not taking his place for granted, but the competition is so tough that there are many players who can take that slot and perform well for the team. This is not the end of the road for him. He is a great player with beautiful technique. I believe he will make a brilliant comeback, and we should not forget that he is still the Test captain,” stated India's legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh. 

While elaborating further on Shubman Gill’s omission from the T20 squad, Harbhajan Singh said he could understand the selectors’ thinking behind the decision. The former India spinner explained that team selection for major tournaments often goes beyond individual talent and is shaped by conditions, match situations, and the need for the right combinations. From that perspective, he felt the selectors had taken a practical and well-considered call.

Harbhajan added that with a global event in mind, choices are made to suit specific roles and strategies rather than reputations. While acknowledging Gill’s quality as a batter, he maintained that the current balance of the side demanded a different approach. In his view, the decision ultimately serves the team’s best interests, keeping conditions and tournament requirements firmly in focus.

“I was listening to Ajit Agarkar and Captain Suryakumar Yadav. They were saying that Gill was excluded because of the combination. They must have taken the call depending on the conditions and the combination,” Harbhajan added.

India squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.