India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad announcement has set off intense debate, with former cricketers divided over the omission of high-profile names like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the inclusion of Ishan Kishan and Washington Sundar. As selectors look to build a side capable of defending their title at home and in Sri Lanka, the balance between form, fitness, and flexibility has taken centre stage.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth praised the selectors for their willingness to reward domestic performance and make bold choices under pressure. His strongest endorsement went to Ishan Kishan, who returns to the squad after an extended absence.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal, I feel bad for him. He was unlucky, but Ishan Kishan doubles up as a wicketkeeper and opening batsman. That’s where he scores over Jitesh Sharma and Gill and Jaiswal. Ishan Kishan is also an outstanding cricketer. When he gets going, he just gets going. Ishan Kishan’s selection is fantastic.”
Domestic dominance earns Ishan Kishan his shot
Kishan’s recall was largely driven by his standout domestic campaign. He topped the scoring charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading Jharkhand to their maiden title with 517 runs, including a century in the final. Srikkanth also reflected on Kishan’s abrupt disappearance from the national scene despite scoring a double century in ODIs and being part of a World Cup squad.
“The selectors have looked into domestic cricket. Kishan has come in by sheer virtue of scores and performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The plus point is that he only scored runs, but ensured that his team won. Very happy for Kishan. He hit a double hundred and was in the World Cup team as well, but then just disappeared.”
Shock over Shubman Gill’s omission
Srikkanth admitted that Kishan’s inclusion was not the only surprise. The decision to leave out Shubman Gill, who had been India’s vice-captain as recently as the Australia tour, left him stunned.
“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!”
While acknowledging Gill’s pedigree in longer formats, Srikkanth suggested that his T20 record didn’t justify selection.
“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.”
Srikkanth’s advice to Samson: Make the starts count
Sanju Samson, now India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the T20 setup, was another player Srikkanth discussed. While praising his recent performance, he also offered a cautionary note.
“He batted really well. What an innings it was. Some of the strokes he played were brilliant. When he is striking, he is striking deadly. Only thing I will tell Sanju is, don’t get out on 37. Convert that 37 into 73. If you do that, you can’t be removed. People forget 30s and 40s.”
He also speculated that Gill’s exclusion may have been communicated earlier than officially announced.
“Sanju Samson got one chance and he grabbed it in yesterday’s match. I think they might have told him [Gill] yesterday that you don’t play. Maybe that’s why he was declared unfit. They might have told him that he’s not in the team.”
Middle-order muscle and match-winners in focus
Srikkanth expressed confidence in the squad’s explosive potential, especially if India’s top-order hitters click together.
“He [Pandya] was batting like ‘Mission Impossible’. It was just outstanding to watch him bat. If you look at the top five, if Suryakumar Yadav hits form, this batting line-up will destroy opponents. It is an intimidating and devastating batting line-up.”
Wasim Jaffer raises questions over overlooked talent
While Srikkanth celebrated the squad’s composition, former opener Wasim Jaffer struck a contrasting note. Writing on his X account, he criticised the omission of Jaiswal and Jitesh Sharma in favour of Kishan and Washington Sundar.
“Why not Jaiswal and Jitesh?I would have them in place of Ishan & Washi. Axar is VC so he’s guaranteed to play and you can’t play Washi ahead of Varun and Kuldeep. Jitesh hasn’t done anything wrong to be dropped, and Yashasvi, there’s no need to explain why he should be in the squad in the first place.”
I would have them in place of Ishan & Washi. Axar is VC so he’s sure to play and you can’t play Washi ahead of Varun and Kuldeep. Jitesh hasn’t done anything wrong to be dropped and Yashasvi, don’t need any explaining why he shouldn’t be there in first place. #T20WorldCup2026 https://t.co/68BtGDKZYx
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 21, 2025
India eye title defence amid bold resets
India will begin their T20 World Cup defence on February 7 against the USA in Mumbai, before facing Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands in the league stage. After their thrilling seven-run win in the 2024 final against South Africa, the expectations are immense—but so is the intrigue surrounding the squad’s bold new direction.
With Ishan Kishan’s redemption arc, Shubman Gill’s shock omission, and the continued evolution of India’s power-packed batting, the stage is set for a campaign shaped by fearless choices and fierce competition.
