When chief selector Ajit Agarkar remarked that Jitesh Sharma had not really done much wrong while explaining his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad, he summed up the central challenge facing India’s selectors. The dilemma was not about failures but about choosing between multiple successful options in a crowded talent pool.
Soon after the 15 member squad was announced in Mumbai, reactions flooded social media, with fans and former players questioning several omissions.
While difficult decisions are part of every World Cup selection, this squad triggered unusually intense debate, largely because of the depth of quality available beyond the final list.
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India had room for only 15 players, but the number of cricketers with strong claims far exceeded that limit. As a result, several capable performers were left out, not due to lack of ability but because of strategic choices and team balance.
Jitesh Sharma’s omission stood out as one of the most puzzling decisions. The wicketkeeper batter appeared to have secured a defined role in India’s T20 setup, making his exclusion hard to digest for many observers. Agarkar clarified that the decision was not a reflection of Jitesh’s performance but a matter of team combinations. The selectors wanted a backup wicketkeeper capable of batting at the top of the order, which influenced the final call.
Jitesh’s strong performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their IPL title winning season further complicated the narrative. His finishing skills under pressure and reliable wicketkeeping had convinced many that his World Cup berth was assured. However, the selectors ultimately went with Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan as the two wicketkeeper batters, with Kishan’s exceptional domestic form for Jharkhand in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy proving decisive.
The most high profile omission was that of Shubman Gill. As vice captain and a key figure in India’s white ball plans, his absence dominated discussions.
The team management insisted that the decision was not a judgment on Gill’s quality but a tactical move driven by balance and flexibility.
Agarkar acknowledged Gill’s class, stating that recent returns did not diminish the regard in which he is held. Captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed this view, explaining that the squad was built to allow multiple combinations, including the need for a wicketkeeper at the top and the inclusion of finishers and all round options like Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar.
Gill’s recent T20I form, however, worked against him. After returning from a neck injury, he struggled during the series against South Africa, managing low scores before a modest innings offered brief relief. His overall T20I numbers in 2025, 291 runs from 15 matches at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, were underwhelming for a frontline opener heading into a World Cup year.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion attracted relatively little attention despite his presence in the previous World Cup squad.
Agarkar addressed this by pointing out that selections inevitably involve replacing quality players with other quality players, and reminded that changes could still be made before the tournament begins.
The absence of experienced fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj has also drawn criticism. Shami’s proven World Cup pedigree and current form make his exclusion a contentious call, while Siraj’s omission appears risky given his stature as a leading pacer in other formats.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s continued absence from India’s T20I plans has raised further questions. Despite an impressive T20 record and consistent IPL performances for Chennai Super Kings, he has not featured since the series against Zimbabwe after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin publicly questioned the lack of clarity around Gaikwad’s status, stressing the importance of keeping players informed about their international prospects.
Shreyas Iyer’s case adds another layer to the debate. Although he is currently sidelined due to a serious injury, his absence from T20Is predates this setback. Despite strong IPL showings and success in other formats, the 30 year old has struggled to regain a place in the shortest format, making his situation one of the ongoing selection mysteries in Indian cricket.
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