Besides gill

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed delight at India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, stating that the team was ready for its "title defence." He said he was happy for his ‘brother,’ Sanju Samson, and lauded Ishan Kishan’s selection, who has made a comeback to international cricket.

In a surprising move, defending champions India have excluded Shubman Gill from their squad for next year’s T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand. As announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and vice-captain Axar Patel, this squad highlights notable changes.

Besides Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is also omitted, as Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable comeback after showcasing explosive form while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa.