'Fantastic Selection' - Kris Srikkanth backs Shubman Gill omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has backed the selectors’ decision to drop Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup squad, calling it a bold and “fantastic selection” based on T20 form.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India recently announced the 15-player India squad bound for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 9. While most names in the squad were expected, one omission was quite prominent and took the headlines almost in no time.
That name was Shubman Gill, who had been India’s vice-captain in T20Is since September. By virtue of his leadership role and the fact that he was a constant feature in recent squads, fans and experts alike were shocked at his exclusion.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth also admitted he did not see the decision coming. However, despite the initial shock, he openly praised the selectors for taking a tough call based on form and suitability for the shortest format.
Srikkanth Explains Why Selectors Got It Right
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth applauded chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel for standing firm. “I was very shocked. This is a superb selection. I didn't expect they would drop Shubman Gill. They made him the vice-captain. Even during the tour of Australia, he was the vice-captain. Yes, Rinku Singh was in the team and Ishan Kishan wasn't even in the radar. But, fantastic selection, I should say. Well done Ajit Agarkar and Team India selection team!” he said.
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Srikkanth then explained the reasoning behind Gill’s omission by focusing on T20 requirements. “In one-day cricket, he (Gill) is great. In Tests, he scored truckloads in England. But, in T20Is, he has been struggling. His strike rate is nothing compared to Ishan Kishan or anybody else. That's where Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson take over. Abhishek is a certainty, the No. 1 in the world. Sanju and Ishan add wicketkeeper-opening batter combination,” he added.
Particularly pleased was the former opener with the return of Ishan Kishan, who earned his place after an outstanding Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season. Srikkanth commended Kishan for his heavy scoring in domestic cricket and thereby contributing to team success, saying his selection proves strong domestic performances are being rewarded. He felt that this comeback reflects value-based selection, not on reputation alone.
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