T20 World Cup 2026: Robin Uthappa makes a strong statement on Suryakumar Yadav's form
Former India batter Robin Uthappa has offered his perspective on Shubman Gill’s omission from India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, suggesting that the decision was influenced by broader concerns around team form and balance. According to Uthappa, the selectors were wary of heading into a marquee global tournament with multiple batters struggling for runs. With captain Suryakumar Yadav also enduring a prolonged lean patch, the think tank reportedly felt it was risky to persist with two out-of-form players in the playing group, ultimately leading to Gill being left out. Gill had made his return to India’s T20 setup ahead of the Asia Cup in September and was given a sustained run in the format.
T20 World Cup 2026: Robin Uthappa makes a bold comment on Suryakumar Yadav
However, Shubman Gill's output failed to match expectations. Across 15 T20I innings during this phase, the Punjab batter accumulated 291 runs, averaging 24.25 with a strike rate of 137.26—numbers that were considered underwhelming in the context of modern T20 demands. Suryakumar’s returns in 2025 were even more concerning from a statistical standpoint. The experienced batter managed just 218 runs in 19 innings, averaging a low 13.62 with a strike rate of 123.16. Despite this, his leadership role and past match-winning pedigree ensured his retention, while Gill paid the price for the selectors’ need to minimise risk heading into the World Cup.
"With World Cup sides, you can carry up to one player who's not in great form; you can't carry more than that. That's probably it (he's been dropped because SKY is not making runs)," stated former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa.
Robin Uthappa has stated that, in his view, Shubman Gill did not merit selection in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup. The former India batter and 2007 T20 World Cup winner felt that Gill’s recent performances in the shortest format did not justify his inclusion in such a high-stakes tournament. Uthappa pointed out that confidence plays a crucial role in T20 cricket, where decisiveness and intent are essential, and suggested that Gill has appeared short of belief at the crease in recent outings.
He also noted that while Gill has occasionally been undone by high-quality deliveries, elite batters are expected to find ways to adapt and counter such challenges. According to Uthappa, a combination of diminished confidence and an inability to consistently impose himself on bowlers has hurt Gill’s case. While acknowledging Gill’s undeniable talent and long-term potential, Uthappa maintained that selection for a global event must be based on current form and readiness, and on that front, Gill fell short of the required standard.
"I am not saying he [Shubman Gill] deserved to be there, given his current form and the fact he's not looking like he's in good nick. You can see his eyes. When you look at him, it feels like there's a lot of confusion, even when he's batting. He's getting some good deliveries. Lungi bowled really well through the series and troubled Shubman when he played," Uthappa further added.
Robin Uthappa admitted that he was initially taken aback by the squad announced by the selectors for the T20 World Cup, as a few inclusions and exclusions came as a surprise. Despite his initial reaction, the former India batter was quick to commend Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee for putting together a well-balanced and competitive group. Uthappa believes the chosen squad has the depth, versatility, and match-winning ability required to successfully defend the title in the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup. According to him, the overall composition of the team reflects clear planning and a strong understanding of the demands of a high-pressure global tournament.
Reflecting further on Shubman Gill’s situation, Uthappa also questioned the decision to elevate him to the role of vice-captain when he returned to the T20I side during the Asia Cup. He felt the promotion may have been premature, especially given that Gill was still re-establishing himself in the shortest format at the time. Uthappa suggested that additional leadership responsibility can add unnecessary pressure, particularly for a young player still trying to cement his place. In his view, allowing Gill to focus solely on his batting might have been a better approach.
