Yuvraj Singh questions selectors over Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup snub: ‘That’s a tough call'

Shubman Gill was dropped for this year's T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan were used in the top order.

Updated on: Apr 3, 2026, 20:12:39 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Yuvraj Singh lamented Shubman Gill's recent T20 World Cup 2026 snub, claiming that the India opener didn't deserve that. Gill was excluded from India's T20 World Cup roster this year due to poor form in the format, with the selectors going for Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan as the top order batters.

Yuvraj Singh questioned Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup snub.

Kishan was initially roped in as a back-up, but his performances in the New Zealand series before the World Cup saw him return to the squad. In the final against New Zealand, Abhishek and Samson opened the innings for India and Kishan batted at No. 3.

Also Read: Yuvraj Singh plays devil's advocate in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for World Cup debate: ‘When will you groom Jaiswal?’

Yuvraj Singh questions Shubman Gill's snub

Speaking to SportsTak, Yuvraj said, "To perform consistently in all three formats is very difficult and also to remain as captain."

"Virat Kohli is the only player in the last generation who has performed consistently in all three formats and has also been a successful captain. In between, we had Rohit Sharma also. But I feel if you have put someone in the T20I team and he has played in that format the entire year and then in the last moment, he doesn't make the team because of performances, then that's a tough call", he added.

Gill will use the ongoing IPL 2026 season to prove the selectors wrong. A good performance this season could see a huge selection battle for the openers' slot in T20Is, with the likes of Abhishek, Samson, Kishan and even Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyeing it.

In GT's IPL 2026 opener against Punjab Kings, Gill opened the innings and managed 39 off 27 balls, including six fours at a strike rate of 144.44.

India's next T20I assignment is against Ireland in June, and the team will also travel to England for five games and host West Indies and Sri Lanka before the end of this year. The next edition of the T20 World Cup will be in 2028 in Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking recently, Gill said, "I think if you look at the past three or four seasons, I think I have the most runs in the IPL. So I don't think I have anything to prove in this (IPL) season particularly. And the four years that I have played for this team, I think we have done decently well as a team. And I think I have done decently well as a batter."

"So I don't think I need to prove to anyone my worth. I think I need to do what I have been doing for the past four years. And as a team, we need to be consistent, which I think we have been. And if we continue doing that sooner or later, I think we will win that trophy once more," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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