Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill has stated that he is not experiencing any additional pressure ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season and explained that his main objective is to contribute to the team’s success and help secure another title, rather than focusing on individual records. Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, Gill said that his performances over the past few seasons have been consistent and therefore he does not feel the need to prove himself again.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 26-year-old also mentioned that he has been one of the top run-scorers in recent IPL seasons and feels that if the team continues to play well together, they have a strong chance of winning another trophy.&nbsp;"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 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 batsman," Gill said in the pre-tournament press conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-rcb-pacer-nuwan-thushara-set-to-miss-season-due-to-this-reason-1774584288126">IPL 2026: RCB pacer Nuwan Thushara set to miss season due to THIS reason</a>&nbsp;"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.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/carolina-marin-drops-curtains-on-illustrious-career-former-olympic-champion-announces-official-retirement-1774539304209">Former Olympic champion Carolina Marin announces official retirement</a>&nbsp;In his IPL career so far, Gill has played 118 matches and has scored 3,866 runs at an average of 39.44, including four centuries and 26 half-centuries. As the new season approaches, he will look to build on this record and guide Gujarat Titans towards further success.&nbsp;The 2022 champions, Gujarat Titans, will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on Mar 31.

The 2022 champions, Gujarat Titans, will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on Mar 31.

Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill has stated that he is not experiencing any additional pressure ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season and explained that his main objective is to contribute to the team’s success and help secure another title, rather than focusing on individual records. Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, Gill said that his performances over the past few seasons have been consistent and therefore he does not feel the need to prove himself again. The 26-year-old also mentioned that he has been one of the top run-scorers in recent IPL seasons and feels that if the team continues to play well together, they have a strong chance of winning another trophy. "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 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 batsman," Gill said in the pre-tournament press conference. Also Read - IPL 2026: RCB pacer Nuwan Thushara set to miss season due to THIS reason "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. Also Read - Former Olympic champion Carolina Marin announces official retirement In his IPL career so far, Gill has played 118 matches and has scored 3,866 runs at an average of 39.44, including four centuries and 26 half-centuries. As the new season approaches, he will look to build on this record and guide Gujarat Titans towards further success. The 2022 champions, Gujarat Titans, will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on Mar 31.

The 2022 champions, Gujarat Titans, will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on Mar 31.

'I don't think I have anything to prove': GT skipper Shubman Gill ahead of IPL 2026

Shubman Gill will have a point to prove as the Gujarat Titans prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season, which starts on Saturday (Mar 28). Gill, India’s captain in ODI and Tests, was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad in January and will have a point to prove during IPL 2026. Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted the issue and why Gill would be more than prepared for the tournament, where he captains the the Gujarat Titans.<h2>Gill to prove a point in IPL 2026</h2>Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan – Know Your Team’, JioStar expert Pujara discussed how the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup snub could motivate Gill in IPL 2026. The Indian batter was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup success in September, but was sensationally omitted from the World Cup squad, with Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan instead coming into the frame.&nbsp;“The T20 World Cup squad snub will definitely fire up Shubman Gill. He is a quality player suited for all three formats. If he has a good IPL 2026 season, he will surely put his name in India’s T20I squad. He is leading the Test squad and is also the ODI captain,” Pujara said while answering about Gill.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;“He is a multi-format player. If he has a good season, he will be back in the scheme of things for the Indian team. There will be some pressure on him because he has not been part of the India squad in the shortest format. But at the same time, it is a great opportunity for him to carry on batting the way he has. He needs to try and accelerate a little more because that is something he has been working on. This IPL season is the perfect one for him to show he can bat at a strike rate of 150 to 160,” added Pujara.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;GT will start their IPL 2026 campaign under Shubman Gill’s captaincy on Mar 31 when they face Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Their first home match will be on April 4 when they face the Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Shubman Gill was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup success in September, but was sensationally omitted from the World Cup squad, with Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan instead coming into the frame.

Shubman Gill will have a point to prove as the Gujarat Titans prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season, which starts on Saturday (Mar 28). Gill, India’s captain in ODI and Tests, was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad in January and will have a point to prove during IPL 2026. Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted the issue and why Gill would be more than prepared for the tournament, where he captains the the Gujarat Titans. Gill to prove a point in IPL 2026 Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan – Know Your Team’, JioStar expert Pujara discussed how the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup snub could motivate Gill in IPL 2026. The Indian batter was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup success in September, but was sensationally omitted from the World Cup squad, with Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan instead coming into the frame. “The T20 World Cup squad snub will definitely fire up Shubman Gill. He is a quality player suited for all three formats. If he has a good IPL 2026 season, he will surely put his name in India’s T20I squad. He is leading the Test squad and is also the ODI captain,” Pujara said while answering about Gill. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds “He is a multi-format player. If he has a good season, he will be back in the scheme of things for the Indian team. There will be some pressure on him because he has not been part of the India squad in the shortest format. But at the same time, it is a great opportunity for him to carry on batting the way he has. He needs to try and accelerate a little more because that is something he has been working on. This IPL season is the perfect one for him to show he can bat at a strike rate of 150 to 160,” added Pujara. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli GT will start their IPL 2026 campaign under Shubman Gill’s captaincy on Mar 31 when they face Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Their first home match will be on April 4 when they face the Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Shubman Gill was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup success in September, but was sensationally omitted from the World Cup squad, with Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan instead coming into the frame.

IPL 2026: Cheteshwar Pujara backs Shubman Gill to bounce back after T20 World Cup snub

India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill has expressed that the team’s main aim is to win the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, admitting that he often thinks about it, especially after India narrowly missed out on the title in the 2023 World Cup. India enjoyed an excellent campaign in 2023, winning every match on their way to the final before losing to Australia in the title clash. Speaking at the BCCI Naman Awards in Mumbai on Mar 15, Gill said the team remains motivated after coming so close to lifting the trophy.&nbsp;“Definitely, it does. That is the ultimate goal,” Gill said on Star Sports when asked if he thinks about the next ODI World Cup.&nbsp;Gill said that lifting a World Cup for the country is the biggest dream for any player. He explained that the team felt they were just one step away from victory in the last tournament and are now eager for another chance. He added that the next World Cup will give them a great opportunity to achieve that goal.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ban-vs-pak-3rd-odi-salman-ali-agha-s-106-in-vain-as-bangladesh-defeat-pakistan-by-11-runs-win-series-2-1-1773594553242">BAN vs PAK, 3rd ODI: Salman Ali Agha’s 106 in vain as Bangladesh defeat Pakistan by 11 runs, win series 2-1</a>&nbsp;“We felt like we were so close last time when we were here in the final in India. To be able to get another crack at it in South Africa, it's going to be a great opportunity for us,” Gill said.&nbsp;“Winning a World Cup in any format for the country is the ultimate goal so obviously, that is something that sometimes runs in my mind,” he added.&nbsp;The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia and it is expected to take place in October and November.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-letting-shreyas-iyer-and-phil-salt-leave-anil-kumble-on-kkr-s-ipl-retention-calls-1773570620739">‘Letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt...’: Kumble on KKR’s IPL retention calls</a>&nbsp;India are currently going through a very successful phase in ICC tournaments, as they won the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and then claimed the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The team also defended their T20 World Cup title in the 2026 edition, becoming the first side to win it back-to-back.&nbsp;Now, India have the chance to achieve a historic milestone. If Gill’s team wins the 2027 ODI World Cup, they could complete a rare white-ball treble by holding the three biggest ICC limited-overs titles at the same time. If that happens, India would become the first team in history to achieve this feat in one cycle.

After India missed out closely on winning the title in 2023, captain Shubman Gill said lifting the ICC ODI World Cup next year remains the team’s ultimate goal.

India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill has expressed that the team’s main aim is to win the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, admitting that he often thinks about it, especially after India narrowly missed out on the title in the 2023 World Cup. India enjoyed an excellent campaign in 2023, winning every match on their way to the final before losing to Australia in the title clash. Speaking at the BCCI Naman Awards in Mumbai on Mar 15, Gill said the team remains motivated after coming so close to lifting the trophy. “Definitely, it does. That is the ultimate goal,” Gill said on Star Sports when asked if he thinks about the next ODI World Cup. Gill said that lifting a World Cup for the country is the biggest dream for any player. He explained that the team felt they were just one step away from victory in the last tournament and are now eager for another chance. He added that the next World Cup will give them a great opportunity to achieve that goal. Also Read - BAN vs PAK, 3rd ODI: Salman Ali Agha’s 106 in vain as Bangladesh defeat Pakistan by 11 runs, win series 2-1 “We felt like we were so close last time when we were here in the final in India. To be able to get another crack at it in South Africa, it's going to be a great opportunity for us,” Gill said. “Winning a World Cup in any format for the country is the ultimate goal so obviously, that is something that sometimes runs in my mind,” he added. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia and it is expected to take place in October and November. Also Read - ‘Letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt...’: Kumble on KKR’s IPL retention calls India are currently going through a very successful phase in ICC tournaments, as they won the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and then claimed the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The team also defended their T20 World Cup title in the 2026 edition, becoming the first side to win it back-to-back. Now, India have the chance to achieve a historic milestone. If Gill’s team wins the 2027 ODI World Cup, they could complete a rare white-ball treble by holding the three biggest ICC limited-overs titles at the same time. If that happens, India would become the first team in history to achieve this feat in one cycle.

After India missed out closely on winning the title in 2023, captain Shubman Gill said lifting the ICC ODI World Cup next year remains the team’s ultimate goal.

‘Great opportunity for us’: Shubman Gill opens up on India’s plans for 2027 ODI World Cup

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, here's a look at the top five batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026. This list also includes Daryl Mitchell, Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, here's a look at the top five batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026. This list also includes Daryl Mitchell, Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill

Daryl Mitchell tops latest ICC ODI batting rankings 2026, check where Rohit Sharma stands

Former India coach Rahul Dravid says that the lack of time for preparation is causing troubles for the Indian batters in Test cricket. The statement comes after India's home Test series loss to New Zeland in 2024, Border-Gavasker Trophy (BGT) in Australia in Dec 2024-Jan 2025, and most recently vs South Africa at home last year. Dravid also noted that the problem is bigger for the all format players as well as the players who are playing more cricket including for franchises. He noted that paying Tests requires skill and it takes time to develop those skills.<h2>Rahul Dravid reveals why India batters are struggling in Test cricket</h2>"There were times when we would get to a Test match three to four days before the match, and then when we start practising for the Test match, [and] when you look back at the last time that some of these guys had actually hit a red ball, it might have been four months ago or five months ago," he said during a book launch in Bengaluru on Tuesday (Jan 27).Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-t20i-rankings-suryakumar-yadav-jumps-five-spots-to-seventh-abhishek-stays-on-top-1769591581766">ICC T20I Rankings: Suryakumar jumps five spots to seventh, Abhishek stays on top</a>"That's become really a challenge, how do you almost find the time to be able to develop some of the skills that are hard. To play on turning tracks, or play on seaming wickets, doing that for hours and hours in a Test match is not easy. It requires skill."Now, one of the things that has become a bit tougher in red-ball cricket is a lot of our guys who play all the three formats, or who play the amount of cricket that they are playing, sometimes don't have the time to be able to practise red-ball cricket as much," the former coach added.<h2>How is India performing in WTC 2025-27 Cycle</h2>India currently sit at sixth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle with just four wins in nine Tests. The Shubman Gill-led side has lost four matches and drew one as well. India started the current WTC cycle with Gill as new captain. They first travelled to England for a five-Test series which ended with 2-2 result. India then faced West Indies at home and the won the two-Test series 2-0. In the most recent Test series against South Africa, also at home, India lost both the matches and lost 0-2.

Dravid also noted that the problem is bigger for the all format players as well as the players who are playing more cricket including for franchises. He noted that paying Tests requires skill and it takes time to develop those skills.

Former India coach Rahul Dravid says that the lack of time for preparation is causing troubles for the Indian batters in Test cricket. The statement comes after India's home Test series loss to New Zeland in 2024, Border-Gavasker Trophy (BGT) in Australia in Dec 2024-Jan 2025, and most recently vs South Africa at home last year. Dravid also noted that the problem is bigger for the all format players as well as the players who are playing more cricket including for franchises. He noted that paying Tests requires skill and it takes time to develop those skills. Rahul Dravid reveals why India batters are struggling in Test cricket "There were times when we would get to a Test match three to four days before the match, and then when we start practising for the Test match, [and] when you look back at the last time that some of these guys had actually hit a red ball, it might have been four months ago or five months ago," he said during a book launch in Bengaluru on Tuesday (Jan 27). Also Read: ICC T20I Rankings: Suryakumar jumps five spots to seventh, Abhishek stays on top "That's become really a challenge, how do you almost find the time to be able to develop some of the skills that are hard. To play on turning tracks, or play on seaming wickets, doing that for hours and hours in a Test match is not easy. It requires skill. "Now, one of the things that has become a bit tougher in red-ball cricket is a lot of our guys who play all the three formats, or who play the amount of cricket that they are playing, sometimes don't have the time to be able to practise red-ball cricket as much," the former coach added. How is India performing in WTC 2025-27 Cycle India currently sit at sixth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle with just four wins in nine Tests. The Shubman Gill-led side has lost four matches and drew one as well. India started the current WTC cycle with Gill as new captain. They first travelled to England for a five-Test series which ended with 2-2 result. India then faced West Indies at home and the won the two-Test series 2-0. In the most recent Test series against South Africa, also at home, India lost both the matches and lost 0-2.

Dravid also noted that the problem is bigger for the all format players as well as the players who are playing more cricket including for franchises. He noted that paying Tests requires skill and it takes time to develop those skills.

'Hitting red-ball after four-five months': Ex-India coach Dravid shares why Indian batters struggling in Test cricket

From Abhishek Sharma to Shubman Gill here is a look at five Indian batters with highest individual IPL scores. The illustrious list also contains the names KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Murali Vijay. 

From Abhishek Sharma to Shubman Gill here is a look at five Indian batters with highest individual IPL scores. The illustrious list also contains the names KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Murali Vijay.&nbsp;

Meet 5 Indian batters with highest individual IPL score ft Abhishek Sharma

From Abhishek Sharma to Virat Kohli, here's a look at the top five Indian batters fastest to 5000 T20 runs. This list also includes KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill

From Abhishek Sharma to Virat Kohli, here's a look at the top five Indian batters fastest to 5000 T20 runs. This list also includes KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill

Meet top 5 Indian batters fastest to 5000 T20 runs

Shubman Gill’s return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment on Thursday (Jan 22) as he failed to make an impact in his first red-ball domestic match in almost a year and was out for a two-ball duck during Punjab’s game against Saurashtra at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Earlier, Punjab had bowled out Saurashtra for 172 in their first innings. Gill came in to bat at number five when Punjab was struggling at 73 for three, following the wickets of Harnoor Singh, Uday Saharan and Nehal Wadhera. Expected to steady the innings as captain, Gill could not stay long and was given out LBW to left-arm spinner Parth Bhut.&nbsp;The 26-year-old is already facing pressure due to a run of poor form and his leadership has also been questioned after India lost the ODI series against New Zealand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-stoops-to-new-low-with-handshake-dig-at-india-in-australia-series-promo-watch-1769072041410">PCB stoops to new low with 'handshake' dig at India in Australia series promo</a>&nbsp;Punjab are currently sixth in Elite Group B with 11 points from five matches, which include one win, one loss and three draws. Their final group match is against Karnataka, starting Jan 29 in Mohali. Gill is expected to be available for that match as well as he is not a part of India’s squad for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand or the upcoming T20 World Cup.&nbsp;<h2>Gill left out of India's T20 World Cup plans</h2>Gill’s inconsistent performances in T20 cricket over the past year led the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, to drop him from India’s T20 plans. Sanju Samson replaced Gill as the opening partner of Abhishek Sharma, while Axar Patel was once again named as the team’s vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2026-novak-djokovic-strolls-into-round-three-madison-keys-wobbles-to-keep-title-defence-alive-1769062710845">AO: Djokovic strolls into round three, Keys wobbles to keep title defence alive</a>&nbsp;India will start their title defence with a group match against the United States on February 7. They will then face Namibia on February 10, Pakistan on February 14 and the Netherlands on February 18 to complete the group stage. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the Super 8s.

Punjab are currently sixth in Elite Group B with 11 points from five matches, which include one win, one loss and three draws. Their final group match is against Karnataka, starting Jan 29 in Mohali. 

Shubman Gill’s return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment on Thursday (Jan 22) as he failed to make an impact in his first red-ball domestic match in almost a year and was out for a two-ball duck during Punjab’s game against Saurashtra at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Earlier, Punjab had bowled out Saurashtra for 172 in their first innings. Gill came in to bat at number five when Punjab was struggling at 73 for three, following the wickets of Harnoor Singh, Uday Saharan and Nehal Wadhera. Expected to steady the innings as captain, Gill could not stay long and was given out LBW to left-arm spinner Parth Bhut. The 26-year-old is already facing pressure due to a run of poor form and his leadership has also been questioned after India lost the ODI series against New Zealand. Also Read - PCB stoops to new low with 'handshake' dig at India in Australia series promo Punjab are currently sixth in Elite Group B with 11 points from five matches, which include one win, one loss and three draws. Their final group match is against Karnataka, starting Jan 29 in Mohali. Gill is expected to be available for that match as well as he is not a part of India’s squad for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand or the upcoming T20 World Cup. Gill left out of India's T20 World Cup plans Gill’s inconsistent performances in T20 cricket over the past year led the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, to drop him from India’s T20 plans. Sanju Samson replaced Gill as the opening partner of Abhishek Sharma, while Axar Patel was once again named as the team’s vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup. Also Read - AO: Djokovic strolls into round three, Keys wobbles to keep title defence alive India will start their title defence with a group match against the United States on February 7. They will then face Namibia on February 10, Pakistan on February 14 and the Netherlands on February 18 to complete the group stage. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the Super 8s.

Punjab are currently sixth in Elite Group B with 11 points from five matches, which include one win, one loss and three draws. Their final group match is against Karnataka, starting Jan 29 in Mohali.&nbsp;

Snubbed from T20 WC, Gill fails on Ranji Trophy return with two-ball duck

India’s disappointing ODI series loss to New Zealand ended with a 41-run defeat in Indore, as Virat Kohli’s fighting century went in vain, and captain Shubman Gill admitted the team needs to reflect and improve. India suffered a historic setback on Sunday (Jan 18) as they lost the third ODI against New Zealand by 41 runs, handing the visitors a 2-1 series win. It was the first time India were beaten by New Zealand in a bilateral ODI series at home, making the defeat even more painful.&nbsp;After the match, skipper Shubman Gill expressed his disappointment with the team’s overall performance. He said, “After the first match, coming here 1-1, the way we played – disappointed. There are areas we need to look back, reflect and do better.”&nbsp;Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-i-used-to-cry-every-day-in-front-of-my-father-harshit-rana-opens-up-about-struggles-and-journey-to-success-1768751357204"> 'I used to cry every day in front of my father': Harshit Rana opens up about struggles and journey to success</a>&nbsp;Gill, however, highlighted some positives, especially Virat Kohli’s batting form and the contributions from the lower order. He said, “The way Virat is batting is always is a plus. The way Harshit has batted in this series, batting at No. 8 is not easy.”&nbsp;He also spoke about backing young players with the World Cup in mind. “Keeping the World Cup in mind, we want to give him (Nitish Reddy) opportunities and we want to give him enough overs and see what kind of combinations work for us and what kind of deliveries work for him,” Gill added.&nbsp;Earlier, New Zealand put up a strong total of 337 for 8 after batting first. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips were the main architects of their innings. Mitchell played a brilliant knock of 137, while Phillips smashed a powerful 106. The duo stitched together a 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which turned the match completely in New Zealand’s favour after India had picked up early wickets.&nbsp;Chasing a stiff target of 338, India looked under pressure from the start. Virat Kohli once again stood tall and played a magnificent knock of 124 runs off 108 balls. His innings was filled with control, patience, and timely attacking shots. Kohli kept India in the hunt even as wickets continued to fall at the other end.&nbsp;Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana provided brief support, but the required run rate kept increasing. Once Kohli was dismissed late in the innings, India’s chances faded quickly. The team was eventually bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.&nbsp;The loss not only sealed the series for New Zealand but also marked a rare and memorable achievement for them on Indian soil. For India, it was a reminder that strong individual performances need solid team efforts to secure victories.

India lost the ODI series to New Zealand after a 41 run defeat in Indore. Virat Kohli’s 124 went in vain as Shubman Gill admitted disappointment after India’s first home series loss to the Kiwis.

India’s disappointing ODI series loss to New Zealand ended with a 41-run defeat in Indore, as Virat Kohli’s fighting century went in vain, and captain Shubman Gill admitted the team needs to reflect and improve. India suffered a historic setback on Sunday (Jan 18) as they lost the third ODI against New Zealand by 41 runs, handing the visitors a 2-1 series win. It was the first time India were beaten by New Zealand in a bilateral ODI series at home, making the defeat even more painful. After the match, skipper Shubman Gill expressed his disappointment with the team’s overall performance. He said, “After the first match, coming here 1-1, the way we played – disappointed. There are areas we need to look back, reflect and do better.” Also read | 'I used to cry every day in front of my father': Harshit Rana opens up about struggles and journey to success Gill, however, highlighted some positives, especially Virat Kohli’s batting form and the contributions from the lower order. He said, “The way Virat is batting is always is a plus. The way Harshit has batted in this series, batting at No. 8 is not easy.” He also spoke about backing young players with the World Cup in mind. “Keeping the World Cup in mind, we want to give him (Nitish Reddy) opportunities and we want to give him enough overs and see what kind of combinations work for us and what kind of deliveries work for him,” Gill added. Earlier, New Zealand put up a strong total of 337 for 8 after batting first. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips were the main architects of their innings. Mitchell played a brilliant knock of 137, while Phillips smashed a powerful 106. The duo stitched together a 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which turned the match completely in New Zealand’s favour after India had picked up early wickets. Chasing a stiff target of 338, India looked under pressure from the start. Virat Kohli once again stood tall and played a magnificent knock of 124 runs off 108 balls. His innings was filled with control, patience, and timely attacking shots. Kohli kept India in the hunt even as wickets continued to fall at the other end. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana provided brief support, but the required run rate kept increasing. Once Kohli was dismissed late in the innings, India’s chances faded quickly. The team was eventually bowled out for 296 in 46 overs. The loss not only sealed the series for New Zealand but also marked a rare and memorable achievement for them on Indian soil. For India, it was a reminder that strong individual performances need solid team efforts to secure victories.

India lost the ODI series to New Zealand after a 41 run defeat in Indore. Virat Kohli’s 124 went in vain as Shubman Gill admitted disappointment after India’s first home series loss to the Kiwis.

'Plenty to learn': Shubman Gill reflects on India’s performance after ODI series loss to New Zealand

When team India arrived in Indore for the series decider ODI against New Zealand, cricket was not the only thing on their minds. With the cleanest city in India, dealing with a serious water contamination crisis, the team has decided to take extra care about health and safety. This match is crucial, with the ODI series tied at 1-1, but off the field, staying safe has become just as important as winning the game and clinching the ODI series.&nbsp;According to reports from NDTV and Dainik Bhaskar, Indian ODI captain Shubman Gill brought a special water purification machine worth nearly INR 3 lakh to the team hotel. The machine has been installed inside his personal room and is used to re-purify water that is already treated by RO systems or even bottled water. The idea is simple: no risks, no shortcuts, and complete control over drinking water quality.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-i-can-beat-anyone-novak-djokovic-confident-ahead-of-australian-open-2026-title-push-1768645386986">'I can beat anyone:' Novak Djokovic confident ahead of Australian Open 2026 title push</a>&nbsp;Hotel sources revealed that the device is capable of filtering water at multiple levels and is seen as an added safety layer. While the team is staying in a five-star hotel that already provides packaged drinking water and RO facilities, the Indian camp has chosen to go a step further. A member of the team management was quoted by NDTV as saying that “the health of players comes first, and every possible step is being taken to avoid any issue.” The team’s media manager, however, refused to make any official comment on the matter. He did not confirm whether the purifier was brought due to the recent deaths caused by contaminated water or if it was part of Gill’s personal safety routine. This silence has only highlighted how serious the situation in Indore has become. The water crisis in the city has already claimed 23 lives, as per local reports. The government has acknowledged 15 deaths in the High Court, and compensation has been given to 21 affected families. Several patients are still in the ICU, with some on ventilator support. These developments have created concern across the country, especially with an international cricket match being hosted in the same city.&nbsp;Alongside safety measures, faith has also played a role before the big match. Head coach Gautam Gambhir visited the Baglamukhi Temple in Agar Malwa, while Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.

Team India takes extra safety steps in Indore as Shubman Gill brings an INR 3 lakh water purifier amid the city’s water crisis ahead of the series-deciding ODI against New Zealand.

When team India arrived in Indore for the series decider ODI against New Zealand, cricket was not the only thing on their minds. With the cleanest city in India, dealing with a serious water contamination crisis, the team has decided to take extra care about health and safety. This match is crucial, with the ODI series tied at 1-1, but off the field, staying safe has become just as important as winning the game and clinching the ODI series. According to reports from NDTV and Dainik Bhaskar, Indian ODI captain Shubman Gill brought a special water purification machine worth nearly INR 3 lakh to the team hotel. The machine has been installed inside his personal room and is used to re-purify water that is already treated by RO systems or even bottled water. The idea is simple: no risks, no shortcuts, and complete control over drinking water quality. Also read | 'I can beat anyone:' Novak Djokovic confident ahead of Australian Open 2026 title push Hotel sources revealed that the device is capable of filtering water at multiple levels and is seen as an added safety layer. While the team is staying in a five-star hotel that already provides packaged drinking water and RO facilities, the Indian camp has chosen to go a step further. A member of the team management was quoted by NDTV as saying that “the health of players comes first, and every possible step is being taken to avoid any issue.” The team’s media manager, however, refused to make any official comment on the matter. He did not confirm whether the purifier was brought due to the recent deaths caused by contaminated water or if it was part of Gill’s personal safety routine. This silence has only highlighted how serious the situation in Indore has become. The water crisis in the city has already claimed 23 lives, as per local reports. The government has acknowledged 15 deaths in the High Court, and compensation has been given to 21 affected families. Several patients are still in the ICU, with some on ventilator support. These developments have created concern across the country, especially with an international cricket match being hosted in the same city. Alongside safety measures, faith has also played a role before the big match. Head coach Gautam Gambhir visited the Baglamukhi Temple in Agar Malwa, while Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.

Team India takes extra safety steps in Indore as Shubman Gill brings a INR 3 lakh water purifier amid the city’s water crisis ahead of the series-deciding ODI against New Zealand.

Amid Indore water crisis, Shubman Gill installs special purifier in hotel room: Reports

From Ishan Kishan to Shubman Gill here is a look at five highest maiden hundred in ODIs for India. This list also features the likes of legendary names likes Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Dinesh Mongia. 

From Ishan Kishan to Shubman Gill here is a look at five highest maiden hundred in ODIs for India. This list also features the likes of legendary names likes Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Dinesh Mongia.&nbsp;

From Ishan Kishan to Shubman Gill, 5 highest maiden hundred in ODIs for India

The Indian Cricket season this year gets underway with the first of the three ODIs against New Zealand starting on Sunday (Jan 11) in Vadodara. The Men in Blue gear up for the marquee white-ball series against their old foes, a team that has often troubled them across formats. Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to playing the only format, while all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer, who returns from a spleen injury he suffered in Australia in October last year. However, Rishabh Pant’s last-minute injury has dented the team’s combination ahead of the series opener. It’s time we take a look at the match preview.<h2>Match Preview –</h2>Team India has a few returnees in the captain and opener Shubman Gill, who recovered in time from the neck injury he suffered late last year (during the Kolkata Test against South Africa) and also Iyer, who is back after spending close to three months on the sidelines. Their comebacks will boost the team morale, which already has run-scoring machines in Rohit and Kohli at the top.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/vh42mLpJLd">pic.twitter.com/vh42mLpJLd</a>&mdash; Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15/status/2009991162866872370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With the wicket in Vadodara said to be a batting-friendly one, the star-studded Indian ODI line-up would be waiting to make the most of it. Despite not having Pant for the New Zealand ODIs after he suffered a blow during the nets on the game eve, the hosts luckily have a backup keeper in batting mainstay KL Rahul.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-rishabh-pant-ruled-out-of-odi-series-due-to-injury-report-1768067376024">IND vs NZ: Rishabh Pant ruled out of ODI series due to injury - Report</a> &nbsp;No Hardik Pandya means India will field two all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, alongside playing four specialist bowlers in Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and spin lead Kuldeep Yadav. &nbsp;New Zealand, on the other hand, will field a second-string ODI side, with plenty of their first-team players, including Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner, all rested. Kiwi’s highest wicket-taker last year, Jacob Duffy, is also unavailable for the ODI series, with several new faces likely to fill up the playing XI in Vadodara. &nbsp;Despite all of this, the visitors will have experience in Devon Conway, Daryll Mitchell, Will Young and captain Michael Bracewell. Their bowling attack, however, would be inexperienced heading into the first ODI.<h3>Here are the predicted playing XIs of both teams for the first ODI –</h3>India - Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh &nbsp;New Zealand - Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (captain), Josh Clarkson, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Aditya Ashok and Michael Rae

India and New Zealand will square off in the first of the three scheduled ODIs starting Sunday in Vadodara.

The Indian Cricket season this year gets underway with the first of the three ODIs against New Zealand starting on Sunday (Jan 11) in Vadodara. The Men in Blue gear up for the marquee white-ball series against their old foes, a team that has often troubled them across formats. Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to playing the only format, while all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer, who returns from a spleen injury he suffered in Australia in October last year. However, Rishabh Pant’s last-minute injury has dented the team’s combination ahead of the series opener. It’s time we take a look at the match preview. Match Preview – Team India has a few returnees in the captain and opener Shubman Gill, who recovered in time from the neck injury he suffered late last year (during the Kolkata Test against South Africa) and also Iyer, who is back after spending close to three months on the sidelines. Their comebacks will boost the team morale, which already has run-scoring machines in Rohit and Kohli at the top.

India and New Zealand will square off in the first of the three scheduled ODIs starting Sunday in Vadodara.

IND vs NZ 1st ODI: All eyes on Shreyas Iyer; Rishabh Pant ruled out with injury – Match Preview

India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill has finally spoken about being left out of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Gill, who was serving as vice-captain of the T20I team after Gautam Gambhir became head coach, did not make the 15-member squad for the tournament. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday (Jan 10) before India’s ODI series against New Zealand, Gill said he had accepted the selectors’ decision and believed that everything would happen as per his destiny.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Firstly, it is my belief that in my life, I am where I am supposed to be. Whatever is written in my destiny, I will have it. As a player, I want to win games for my team, but having said that, I respect the selectors’ decision. I wish the T20 team the very best. I hope that they win the World Cup,” Shubman Gill said ahead of the India vs New Zealand ODI series.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-wtt-and-utt-help-us-learn-a-lot-rising-table-tennis-star-divyanshi-bhowmick-1768034000702">Exclusive | ' WTT and UTT help us learn a lot': TT star Divyanshi Bhowmick</a>&nbsp;Gill struggled to perform consistently in T20 cricket over the past year and because of this, the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar decided to drop him from India’s T20 plans. Sanju Samson replaced Gill as the opening partner of Abhishek Sharma, while Axar Patel was once again named as the team’s vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup.&nbsp;India will start their title defence with a group match against the United States on February 7. They will then face Namibia on February 10, Pakistan on February 14 and the Netherlands on February 18 to complete the group stage. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the Super 8s.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wpl-2026-rcb-handed-injury-blow-in-opener-as-pooja-vastrakar-injuries-hamstring-1768024454376">WPL 2026: RCB handed injury blow in opener as Pooja Vastrakar injuries hamstring</a><h2>India squad for New Zealand T20Is and T20 World Cup 2026</h2>Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy

Gill struggled to perform consistently in T20 cricket over the past year and because of this, the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar decided to drop him from India’s T20 plans.

India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill has finally spoken about being left out of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Gill, who was serving as vice-captain of the T20I team after Gautam Gambhir became head coach, did not make the 15-member squad for the tournament. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday (Jan 10) before India’s ODI series against New Zealand, Gill said he had accepted the selectors’ decision and believed that everything would happen as per his destiny. “Firstly, it is my belief that in my life, I am where I am supposed to be. Whatever is written in my destiny, I will have it. As a player, I want to win games for my team, but having said that, I respect the selectors’ decision. I wish the T20 team the very best. I hope that they win the World Cup,” Shubman Gill said ahead of the India vs New Zealand ODI series. Also Read - Exclusive | ' WTT and UTT help us learn a lot': TT star Divyanshi Bhowmick Gill struggled to perform consistently in T20 cricket over the past year and because of this, the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar decided to drop him from India’s T20 plans. Sanju Samson replaced Gill as the opening partner of Abhishek Sharma, while Axar Patel was once again named as the team’s vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup. India will start their title defence with a group match against the United States on February 7. They will then face Namibia on February 10, Pakistan on February 14 and the Netherlands on February 18 to complete the group stage. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the Super 8s. Also Read - WPL 2026: RCB handed injury blow in opener as Pooja Vastrakar injuries hamstring India squad for New Zealand T20Is and T20 World Cup 2026 Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy

Gill struggled to perform consistently in T20 cricket over the past year and because of this, the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar decided to drop him from India’s T20 plans.

'Whatever is written in destiny...': Shubman Gill breaks silence on T20 World Cup snub

From Viv Richards to Shubman Gill, here's a look at the top five batters fastest to 1000 runs in One Day Internationals. This list also includes Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Kevin Pietersen.

From Viv Richards to Shubman Gill, here's a look at the top five batters fastest to 1000 runs in One Day Internationals. This list also includes Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Kevin Pietersen.

Meet top 5 batters fastest to 1000 runs in ODIs, check who tops the list

Round 6 of the 2026 Vijay Hazare Trophy on Jan 6, 2026 saw Shreyas Iyer celebrating his return with a blistering 82, while Aman Rao hit a historic 200 not out for Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill struggled for Punjab and scored only 11 runs, and Devdutt Padikkal crossed 600 tournament runs.

Round 6 of the 2026 Vijay Hazare Trophy on Jan 6, 2026 saw Shreyas Iyer celebrating his return with a blistering 82, while Aman Rao hit a historic 200 not out for Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill struggled for Punjab and scored only 11 runs, and Devdutt Padikkal crossed 600 tournament runs.

Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 6: Iyer hits 82, Gill fails on return & Aman Rao 200 among other notable performances

Shubman Gill, the newly-appointed Test captain, vows to better team India's Test records after they conceded two home series in the past 12 months, getting whitewashed by New Zealand and South Africa, respectively. Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma as the Test skipper ahead of the UK tour this year, guided them to level the five-match series (2-2) before helping India crush the West Indies at home across two Tests. Later, against the Proteas, he suffered a neck injury in the first Test and was ruled out of competitive cricket for close to two months, with the team losing both matches.&nbsp;Considering India's current WTC standing (sixth place with four wins and as many losses), Gill has informally spoken with the BCCI, offering his advice of having a 15-day preparatory camp before every series, as per a Times of India (TOI) report. While having those ahead of the marquee away tours was always part of the discussion before and after India’s away tours lately, considering their records in SENA countries, staging those camps ahead of the home matches would only boost their chances of maintaining dominance in favourable conditions.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-pakistan-bangladesh-want-its-t20-world-cup-matches-to-be-staged-outside-india-mustafizur-rahman-1767595300813">After Pakistan, Bangladesh want its T20 WC matches to be staged outside India</a> &nbsp;“Gill was very clear that the team needed better preparation before going into a Test series. There was an issue with the itinerary this season where the team didn’t have much time to prepare. Gill recommended to the Board that it would be ideal if there were 15-day red-ball camps before a Test series,” a BCCI source said in a chat with the TOI. &nbsp;The logistics came under scrutiny this year, after Test-bound players had just four days between the 2025 Asia Cup Final and the first Test against the West Indies (Oct 2) to prepare for the home season. Also, even those named for the two-match series against South Africa had just four days (following the away white-ball series against Australia) to return to Test rhythm. &nbsp;Meanwhile, those close to the information revealed that the BCCI is impressed with Gill’s roadmap to success and the clarity he brings as the Test captain. &nbsp;“Gill is showing assertive qualities now. He is presenting his vision to the selectors and BCCI with a lot more clarity. It augurs well for Indian cricket as there is a need for a strong captain after Rohit Sharma. The Test and ODI teams are Gill’s. It is important for him to have a bigger say,” the unnamed source added. &nbsp;However, considering the packed international calendar, the BCCI may not be able to stage a 15-day preparatory camp every time, looking to utilise the coaching staff and facilities better at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).&nbsp; &nbsp;“There may be instances where Gambhir will be busy with white-ball teams even as there may be a Test series approaching. The Board may use the services of CoE cricket head VVS Laxman to organise red-ball camps,” the source said.

Under Gill's Test captaincy, Team India lost the home Test series against South Africa in November. 

Shubman Gill, the newly-appointed Test captain, vows to better team India's Test records after they conceded two home series in the past 12 months, getting whitewashed by New Zealand and South Africa, respectively. Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma as the Test skipper ahead of the UK tour this year, guided them to level the five-match series (2-2) before helping India crush the West Indies at home across two Tests. Later, against the Proteas, he suffered a neck injury in the first Test and was ruled out of competitive cricket for close to two months, with the team losing both matches. Considering India's current WTC standing (sixth place with four wins and as many losses), Gill has informally spoken with the BCCI, offering his advice of having a 15-day preparatory camp before every series, as per a Times of India (TOI) report. While having those ahead of the marquee away tours was always part of the discussion before and after India’s away tours lately, considering their records in SENA countries, staging those camps ahead of the home matches would only boost their chances of maintaining dominance in favourable conditions. Also read | After Pakistan, Bangladesh want its T20 WC matches to be staged outside India “Gill was very clear that the team needed better preparation before going into a Test series. There was an issue with the itinerary this season where the team didn’t have much time to prepare. Gill recommended to the Board that it would be ideal if there were 15-day red-ball camps before a Test series,” a BCCI source said in a chat with the TOI. The logistics came under scrutiny this year, after Test-bound players had just four days between the 2025 Asia Cup Final and the first Test against the West Indies (Oct 2) to prepare for the home season. Also, even those named for the two-match series against South Africa had just four days (following the away white-ball series against Australia) to return to Test rhythm. Meanwhile, those close to the information revealed that the BCCI is impressed with Gill’s roadmap to success and the clarity he brings as the Test captain. “Gill is showing assertive qualities now. He is presenting his vision to the selectors and BCCI with a lot more clarity. It augurs well for Indian cricket as there is a need for a strong captain after Rohit Sharma. The Test and ODI teams are Gill’s. It is important for him to have a bigger say,” the unnamed source added. However, considering the packed international calendar, the BCCI may not be able to stage a 15-day preparatory camp every time, looking to utilise the coaching staff and facilities better at the Centre of Excellence (CoE). “There may be instances where Gambhir will be busy with white-ball teams even as there may be a Test series approaching. The Board may use the services of CoE cricket head VVS Laxman to organise red-ball camps,” the source said.

Under Gill's Test captaincy, Team India lost the home Test series against South Africa in November.&nbsp;

Test captain Shubman Gill wants 15-day preparatory camps before every Test series

Shubman Gill scored heavily for India in the red-ball series against England and later returned to the T20I squad during the Asia Cup 2025, where he was also named vice-captain. However, after his comeback, Gill struggled to make big scores in T20Is and did not reach a single half-century in the format. As a result, he was eventually left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad. Speaking on the ICC Review about Gill’s snub, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting said that he was surprised by Gill’s exclusion from the team.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I couldn’t believe that. I mean, I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket. The last time that I really saw much of him play was the Test series against England in the UK, where he batted as well as I’ve ever seen anybody bat. I think, one, I’m surprised, but two, it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting said on ICC Review.&nbsp;“If you can think that someone as good as Shubman Gill doesn’t get picked in a World Cup squad, then it goes to show how many good players they do have,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/desert-vipers-vs-mi-emirates-ilt20-final-when-and-where-to-watch-match-live-streaming-in-india-1767522151727">Vipers vs Emirates, ILT20 Final: When and where to watch match live streaming?</a>&nbsp;Since his return during the Asia Cup, Gill has played 15 T20I innings and scored 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26. His highest score was 47, which came against Pakistan in Dubai on Sep 21 last year.&nbsp;<h2>What selectors said</h2>The selectors cited that the team balance was the main reason behind the decision, as Gill’s recent T20I performances have failed to strengthen his case for selection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Gill is a high-quality player but has been short of runs at the moment. He added that different team combinations were chosen for the World Cup and when only 15 players can be picked, someone has to miss out. Unfortunately, Gill was the one left out this time.&nbsp;“We know what a quality player he is, but, perhaps short of a little bit of runs at the moment. It’s unfortunate to have missed out in the last World Cup as well because we went with different combinations. But it’s the combinations more than anything else…Someone has to miss out when you pick 15 and unfortunately, it’s Gill at this point,” said Ajit Agarkar in the press conference for India’s squad announcement for the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-top-5-indian-batters-with-most-odi-runs-against-new-zealand-sachin-tendulkar-virat-kohli-virender-sehwag-mohammad-azharuddin-sourav-ganguly-1767435459535">Meet top 5 Indian batters with most ODI runs against New Zealand</a>&nbsp;Gill will now look to start afresh in 2026 and will aim to perform well in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on Jan 11.

Gill will now look to start afresh in 2026 and aim to perform well in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on Jan 11.

Shubman Gill scored heavily for India in the red-ball series against England and later returned to the T20I squad during the Asia Cup 2025, where he was also named vice-captain. However, after his comeback, Gill struggled to make big scores in T20Is and did not reach a single half-century in the format. As a result, he was eventually left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad. Speaking on the ICC Review about Gill’s snub, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting said that he was surprised by Gill’s exclusion from the team. “I couldn’t believe that. I mean, I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket. The last time that I really saw much of him play was the Test series against England in the UK, where he batted as well as I’ve ever seen anybody bat. I think, one, I’m surprised, but two, it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting said on ICC Review. “If you can think that someone as good as Shubman Gill doesn’t get picked in a World Cup squad, then it goes to show how many good players they do have,” he added. Also Read - Vipers vs Emirates, ILT20 Final: When and where to watch match live streaming? Since his return during the Asia Cup, Gill has played 15 T20I innings and scored 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26. His highest score was 47, which came against Pakistan in Dubai on Sep 21 last year. What selectors said The selectors cited that the team balance was the main reason behind the decision, as Gill’s recent T20I performances have failed to strengthen his case for selection. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Gill is a high-quality player but has been short of runs at the moment. He added that different team combinations were chosen for the World Cup and when only 15 players can be picked, someone has to miss out. Unfortunately, Gill was the one left out this time. “We know what a quality player he is, but, perhaps short of a little bit of runs at the moment. It’s unfortunate to have missed out in the last World Cup as well because we went with different combinations. But it’s the combinations more than anything else…Someone has to miss out when you pick 15 and unfortunately, it’s Gill at this point,” said Ajit Agarkar in the press conference for India’s squad announcement for the T20 World Cup. Also Check - Meet top 5 Indian batters with most ODI runs against New Zealand Gill will now look to start afresh in 2026 and will aim to perform well in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on Jan 11.

Gill will now look to start afresh in 2026 and aim to perform well in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on Jan 11.

'I couldn’t believe that...': Ricky Ponting on Shubman Gill being left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand with Shubman Gill set to lead the side. In an announcement made on Saturday (Jan 3) in Jaipur, the selector panel led by Ajit Agarkar announced a 15-man squad for the tournament which included Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer. The latter is subject to fitness having suffered injury during the ODI series in Australia in October.&nbsp;<h2>India announce squad for ODI series</h2>"The Senior Men's Selection Committee has picked India's squad for the upcoming IDFC First Bank three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara. Shreyas Iyer's availability is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI COE. Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match and, considering the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed," the BCCI said in a statement.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, selectors kept a close eye on all the players while also considering workload management. Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Siraj, who are not part of the T20 World Cup, were the first names on the team sheet. Iyer’s inclusion also comes after he missed out on the South Africa home series.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah is a notable absentee as the board continues to monitor his situation for workload management. Bumrah is included in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, but will miss the New Zealand series. Similar steps have been taken for Hardik Pandya, who is also rested in favour of the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;India squad: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

In an announcement made on Saturday (Jan 3) in Jaipur, the selector panel led by Ajit Agarkar announced a 15-man squad for the tournament which included Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand with Shubman Gill set to lead the side. In an announcement made on Saturday (Jan 3) in Jaipur, the selector panel led by Ajit Agarkar announced a 15-man squad for the tournament which included Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer. The latter is subject to fitness having suffered injury during the ODI series in Australia in October. India announce squad for ODI series "The Senior Men's Selection Committee has picked India's squad for the upcoming IDFC First Bank three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara. Shreyas Iyer's availability is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI COE. Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match and, considering the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed," the BCCI said in a statement. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, selectors kept a close eye on all the players while also considering workload management. Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Siraj, who are not part of the T20 World Cup, were the first names on the team sheet. Iyer’s inclusion also comes after he missed out on the South Africa home series. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Jasprit Bumrah is a notable absentee as the board continues to monitor his situation for workload management. Bumrah is included in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, but will miss the New Zealand series. Similar steps have been taken for Hardik Pandya, who is also rested in favour of the T20 World Cup. India squad: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

In an announcement made on Saturday (Jan 3) in Jaipur, the selector panel led by Ajit Agarkar announced a 15-man squad for the tournament which included Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer.&nbsp;

IND vs NZ: Shubman Gill returns to lead India in ODI format; Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj earn call back

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma here is a look at five Indian batters with most ODI runs in a calendar year. The list also features the likes of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Shikhar Dhawan who have excelled with the bat in recent years. 

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma here is a look at five Indian batters with most ODI runs in a calendar year. The list also features the likes of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Shikhar Dhawan who have excelled with the bat in recent years.&nbsp;

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, 5 Indian batters with most ODI runs in a calendar year (last five)

From Shubman Gill to Rohit Sharma here is a look at five Indians batters with most international runs in a calendar year. The list features the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer as well while Virat Kohli narrowly missed out in 2023 despite excellent ODI World Cup.

From Shubman Gill to Rohit Sharma here is a look at five Indians batters with most international runs in a calendar year. The list features the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer as well while Virat Kohli narrowly missed out in 2023 despite excellent ODI World Cup.

From Shubman Gill to Rohit Sharma, 5 Indians batters with most international runs in a calendar year (last five)

Former India cricketer Yograj Singh has strongly criticised the Indian selectors for leaving Shubman Gill out of the T20 World Cup squad, questioning why a player once trusted as vice-captain was dropped after a brief dip in form. Speaking on a YouTube show with Ravi Bisht, Yograj said Gill deserved more backing, especially after being elevated to leadership responsibilities not long ago. He felt the selectors showed little patience with the young batter, something Indian cricket has rarely done in the past.&nbsp;“Shubman Gill is a vice-captain. What is the reason behind dropping him? Just because he failed in four or five innings?” Yograj said. He added that several Indian players in the past were given long runs despite inconsistent performances. According to him, Gill should have been treated no differently.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-5-moments-that-defined-indian-sport-in-2025-1767195872982">Top 5 moments that defined Indian sport in 2025</a>&nbsp;Yograj also raised questions about how young players are handled, using Abhishek Sharma as an example. He asked whether the same harsh standards would be applied if Abhishek went through a lean patch.&nbsp;Taking the debate further, Yograj dragged Kapil Dev into the discussion, revisiting an old episode from Indian cricket history. He claimed that during a tour of Pakistan, Kapil Dev continued to play despite not performing with either bat or ball. Yograj said then-captain Bishan Singh Bedi still backed Kapil and even took him on the subsequent tour of England, showing faith during a difficult phase.&nbsp;Gill was omitted from India’s T20 World Cup squad announced on December 20, a decision that surprised many. He had been recalled to the T20I side after a year and was named vice-captain during the Asia Cup. India also broke up the opening partnership of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma to accommodate Gill at the top, but the move did not pay off.&nbsp;Since his return, Gill scored 291 runs in 15 T20Is at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, without a single half-century. As India searched for the right combination, Samson was pushed down the order and later dropped.&nbsp;Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Gill was not dropped due to lack of quality but because of team combination needs. Ishan Kishan was later recalled on the back of strong domestic performances. Gill will continue to lead India in ODIs and Tests and is set to captain the side in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

Yograj Singh questions India’s decision to drop Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad, defending the vice-captain and comparing the move with past selectord backing of senior players.


Former India cricketer Yograj Singh has strongly criticised the Indian selectors for leaving Shubman Gill out of the T20 World Cup squad, questioning why a player once trusted as vice-captain was dropped after a brief dip in form. Speaking on a YouTube show with Ravi Bisht, Yograj said Gill deserved more backing, especially after being elevated to leadership responsibilities not long ago. He felt the selectors showed little patience with the young batter, something Indian cricket has rarely done in the past. “Shubman Gill is a vice-captain. What is the reason behind dropping him? Just because he failed in four or five innings?” Yograj said. He added that several Indian players in the past were given long runs despite inconsistent performances. According to him, Gill should have been treated no differently. Also read | Top 5 moments that defined Indian sport in 2025 Yograj also raised questions about how young players are handled, using Abhishek Sharma as an example. He asked whether the same harsh standards would be applied if Abhishek went through a lean patch. Taking the debate further, Yograj dragged Kapil Dev into the discussion, revisiting an old episode from Indian cricket history. He claimed that during a tour of Pakistan, Kapil Dev continued to play despite not performing with either bat or ball. Yograj said then-captain Bishan Singh Bedi still backed Kapil and even took him on the subsequent tour of England, showing faith during a difficult phase. Gill was omitted from India’s T20 World Cup squad announced on December 20, a decision that surprised many. He had been recalled to the T20I side after a year and was named vice-captain during the Asia Cup. India also broke up the opening partnership of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma to accommodate Gill at the top, but the move did not pay off. Since his return, Gill scored 291 runs in 15 T20Is at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, without a single half-century. As India searched for the right combination, Samson was pushed down the order and later dropped. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Gill was not dropped due to lack of quality but because of team combination needs. Ishan Kishan was later recalled on the back of strong domestic performances. Gill will continue to lead India in ODIs and Tests and is set to captain the side in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

Yograj Singh questions India’s decision to drop Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad, defending the vice-captain and comparing the move with past selectors backing of senior players.

Dropped after 4-5 innings? Yograj Singh defends Shubman Gill after T20 World Cup snub

Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026

India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and top-order batter KL Rahul are set to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in January. The trio will play a few matches for their state teams before joining the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11. According to Cricbuzz, Shubman Gill is likely to play for Punjab in their matches on January 3 and 6 against Sikkim and Goa in Jaipur.&nbsp;Punjab are in Group C and are currently fourth on the points table, having won two of their three matches. After these games, Gill will leave to join the Indian team, which will assemble in Baroda on January 7 and 8 ahead of the first ODI against the Kiwis.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rashid-khan-to-lead-afghanistan-at-t20-world-cup-2026-mujeeb-farooqi-return-1767170272061">Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan at T20 World Cup 2026; Mujeeb, Farooqi return</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has also told the Saurashtra Cricket Association that he will play matches on January 6 and 8 against Services and Gujarat. Saurashtra are playing their matches in Alur, Karnataka. They have won one of their three matches so far and are placed sixth in their group.&nbsp;KL Rahul’s participation has not been officially confirmed by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, but he is expected to play matches on January 3 and 6 against Tripura and Rajasthan in Ahmedabad. Karnataka are second in Group A and have won all three of their matches so far.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pm-narendra-modi-praises-arjun-erigaisi-for-winning-bronze-medal-at-fide-world-blitz-chess-championship-1767160650406">PM Modi praises Arjun for bronze medal at World Blitz Chess Championship</a>&nbsp;The current Vijay Hazare Trophy season has seen many big players in action. Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also played domestic matches as part of the BCCI’s requirement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been regularly playing for Delhi and is expected to play the full season for his team.

The current Vijay Hazare Trophy season has seen many big players in action. Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also played domestic matches as part of the BCCI’s requirement. 

India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and top-order batter KL Rahul are set to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in January. The trio will play a few matches for their state teams before joining the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11. According to Cricbuzz, Shubman Gill is likely to play for Punjab in their matches on January 3 and 6 against Sikkim and Goa in Jaipur. Punjab are in Group C and are currently fourth on the points table, having won two of their three matches. After these games, Gill will leave to join the Indian team, which will assemble in Baroda on January 7 and 8 ahead of the first ODI against the Kiwis. Also Read - Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan at T20 World Cup 2026; Mujeeb, Farooqi return Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has also told the Saurashtra Cricket Association that he will play matches on January 6 and 8 against Services and Gujarat. Saurashtra are playing their matches in Alur, Karnataka. They have won one of their three matches so far and are placed sixth in their group. KL Rahul’s participation has not been officially confirmed by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, but he is expected to play matches on January 3 and 6 against Tripura and Rajasthan in Ahmedabad. Karnataka are second in Group A and have won all three of their matches so far. Also Read - PM Modi praises Arjun for bronze medal at World Blitz Chess Championship The current Vijay Hazare Trophy season has seen many big players in action. Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also played domestic matches as part of the BCCI’s requirement. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been regularly playing for Delhi and is expected to play the full season for his team.

The current Vijay Hazare Trophy season has seen many big players in action. Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also played domestic matches as part of the BCCI’s requirement.&nbsp;

Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja to play Vijay Hazare Trophy in January: Report

2025 is over, and we take a look at five cricketers who have had the most successful years in terms of centuries hit in Test cricket. One Indian made this list.

2025 is over, and we take a look at five cricketers who have had the most successful years in terms of centuries hit in Test cricket. One Indian made this list.

Meet 5 Players to Hit Most Test Hundreds in 2025, one Indian on the list

From Shubman Gill to KL Rahul, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most runs in 2025. This list also includes Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma

From Shubman Gill to KL Rahul, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most runs in 2025. This list also includes Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma

Meet top 5 Indian batters with most runs in 2025, check who tops the list

From Shubman Gill to KL Rahul, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most Test runs in 2025. This list also includes Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant

From Shubman Gill to KL Rahul, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most Test runs in 2025. This list also includes Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant

Meet top 5 Indian batters with most Test runs in 2025, check who tops the list

Former India skipper Kris Srikkanth has an advice for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as India gear up for defence of T20 World Cup title early next year. Samson was picked ahead of vice-captain Shubman Gill who has been dropped from the squad altogether. Samson had played in the last T20I of five-match series against South Africa at home and scored a quickfire 37 before getting out. Srikkanth says that Samson has to convert those starts to make sure he isn't dropped from the playing XI anymore.<h2>Srikkanth's advice for Samson</h2>“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,” remarked Srikkanth, as reported by the Indian Express, after India's win against South Africa in Ahmedabad.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-test-wickets-as-captain-imran-cummins-benaud-sobers-vettori-1766400790984">Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list</a>“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.”<h2>Why was Gill dropped?</h2>Earlier this year, Gill was named India's Test and ODI skipper as well as being named Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in the T20Is as well. He played 15 matches since the appointment, replacing Samson as Abhishek Sharma's opening partner but returned modest numbers - scoring only one half-century in 15 innings.While he was clearly out of form, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar insisted that it is team combination because of which Gill has been dropped as the management wanted a keeper to open. India have also handed a call back to Ishan Kishan in the T20I squad after his stunning campaign in domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) for Jharkhand.

Samson was picked ahead of vice-captain Shubman Gill who has been dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad altogether. Samson had played in the last T20I of five-match series against South Africa at home and scored a quickfire 37 before getting out.

Former India skipper Kris Srikkanth has an advice for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as India gear up for defence of T20 World Cup title early next year. Samson was picked ahead of vice-captain Shubman Gill who has been dropped from the squad altogether. Samson had played in the last T20I of five-match series against South Africa at home and scored a quickfire 37 before getting out. Srikkanth says that Samson has to convert those starts to make sure he isn't dropped from the playing XI anymore. Srikkanth's advice for Samson “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,” remarked Srikkanth, as reported by the Indian Express, after India's win against South Africa in Ahmedabad. Also Read - Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list “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.” Why was Gill dropped? Earlier this year, Gill was named India's Test and ODI skipper as well as being named Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in the T20Is as well. He played 15 matches since the appointment, replacing Samson as Abhishek Sharma's opening partner but returned modest numbers - scoring only one half-century in 15 innings. While he was clearly out of form, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar insisted that it is team combination because of which Gill has been dropped as the management wanted a keeper to open. India have also handed a call back to Ishan Kishan in the T20I squad after his stunning campaign in domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) for Jharkhand.

Samson was picked ahead of vice-captain Shubman Gill who has been dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad altogether. Samson had played in the last T20I of five-match series against South Africa at home and scored a quickfire 37 before getting out.

Ex-India skipper Srikkanth says Samson needs to convert starts as 'people forget 30s and 40s'

2025 is about to get over, and it’s time we take a look at those who have scored the most runs across formats this year. To everyone’s surprise, one Indian and Pakistani batter made the list. 

2025 is about to get over, and it’s time we take a look at those who have scored the most runs across formats this year. To everyone’s surprise, one Indian and Pakistani batter made the list.&nbsp;

From Joe Root to Agha Salman, top 5 highest run scorers in 2025

Shubman Gill has returned to the drawing board following his shock T20 World Cup snub late last week. Picked as the new vice-captain for the recently concluded South Africa T20Is, Gill played the first three matches before getting sidelined for the remainder. While he remained in contention for a spot in the 15-man T20 WC squad, the selectors overlooked him at the last minute, picking Ishan Kishan in his place. Gill, however, has returned to the drawing board after being picked in the 18-man Punjab squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;Alongside Gill, T20I superstars and World Cup-bound players, opener Abhishek Sharma and seamer Arshdeep Singh, have also been named in the team, which starts its campaign against Maharashtra on December 24. Besides the three Indian internationals, Punjab has also picked Prabhsimran Singh, Naman Dhir, Anmolpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sanvir Singh and Harpreet Brar, with Gurnoor Brar and Krish Bhagat leading the pace attack.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-drops-shocking-revelation-reveals-the-moment-he-considered-announcing-retirement-1766383952449">Rohit drops shocking revelation, reveals moment he considered announcing retirement</a> &nbsp;While there remains no clarity on their availability for the season, with Team India scheduled to play New Zealand for three One-Dayers and five T20Is starting January 11, Gill, who is out of the T20I squad for the dress-rehearsal NZ series, will lead the One-Day side, which doesn’t include Arshdeep and Abhishek. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Punjab, which will play seven of its league matches in Jaipur this season, is placed alongside Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Goa and Mumbai in the group stage, which concludes on January 8.&nbsp; &nbsp;Getting knocked out in last season’s quarters, Punjab has not named a captain in their official statement.<h3>Punjab's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad -</h3>Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Harnoor Pannu, Anmolpreet Singh, Uday Saharan, Naman Dhir, Salil Arora (wk), Sanvir Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Harpreet Brar, Raghu Sharma, Krish Bhagat, Gourav Choudhary and Sukhdeep Bajwa

Alongside Gill, T20I superstars opener Abhishek Sharma and seamer Arshdeep Singh have also been named in the team, which starts its campaign against Maharashtra on December 24.

Shubman Gill has returned to the drawing board following his shock T20 World Cup snub late last week. Picked as the new vice-captain for the recently concluded South Africa T20Is, Gill played the first three matches before getting sidelined for the remainder. While he remained in contention for a spot in the 15-man T20 WC squad, the selectors overlooked him at the last minute, picking Ishan Kishan in his place. Gill, however, has returned to the drawing board after being picked in the 18-man Punjab squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Alongside Gill, T20I superstars and World Cup-bound players, opener Abhishek Sharma and seamer Arshdeep Singh, have also been named in the team, which starts its campaign against Maharashtra on December 24. Besides the three Indian internationals, Punjab has also picked Prabhsimran Singh, Naman Dhir, Anmolpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sanvir Singh and Harpreet Brar, with Gurnoor Brar and Krish Bhagat leading the pace attack. Also read | Rohit drops shocking revelation, reveals moment he considered announcing retirement While there remains no clarity on their availability for the season, with Team India scheduled to play New Zealand for three One-Dayers and five T20Is starting January 11, Gill, who is out of the T20I squad for the dress-rehearsal NZ series, will lead the One-Day side, which doesn’t include Arshdeep and Abhishek. Meanwhile, Punjab, which will play seven of its league matches in Jaipur this season, is placed alongside Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Goa and Mumbai in the group stage, which concludes on January 8. Getting knocked out in last season’s quarters, Punjab has not named a captain in their official statement. Punjab's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad - Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Harnoor Pannu, Anmolpreet Singh, Uday Saharan, Naman Dhir, Salil Arora (wk), Sanvir Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Harpreet Brar, Raghu Sharma, Krish Bhagat, Gourav Choudhary and Sukhdeep Bajwa

Alongside Gill, T20I superstars opener Abhishek Sharma and seamer Arshdeep Singh have also been named in the team, which starts its campaign against Maharashtra on December 24.

Shubman Gill returns to drawing board after T20 WC snub, to play for Punjab in Vijay Hazare Trophy

The Indian team for the 2026 T20 World Cup was announced on Saturday (Dec 20) as the selectors’ panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, made a couple of bold decisions. The 15-man squad that will play in the 2026 T20 World Cup will not feature the likes of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma, while Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan have been granted wildcard entries. While a statement was made off the pitch, will there be an on-field statement as well with captain Suryakumar Yadav struggling for form?<h2>Surya’s concerning form</h2>Across the last nine innings for India and Mumbai (in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy), Suryakumar Yadav’s form has become a huge cause for concern for the management. During that period, he has scored 199 runs with an average of 24.88, raising concerns for the management. In his last 22 innings for India in T20Is, Surya’s form makes poor reading as well.&nbsp;During this period, Surya's average of 13.37 across 22 innings, with a total of 254 runs and no fifties, underscores prolonged struggles. His only notable performance was an unbeaten 47 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage in Dubai.&nbsp;The current India T20I captain’s last fifty for the national side came in Hyderabad against Bangladesh in October 2024. In fact, since becoming the captain of the Indian T20I side, he has managed to score only two fifties.<h2>Why is Surya’s position in trouble?</h2>Highly unlikely that a sitting captain will be dropped from the Playing XI for non-injury-related and rest issues; nothing is guaranteed in the Indian side. Rohit Sharma, India’s then Test captain during the 2024-25 Australia tour, was dropped from the Sydney Test in January. On Saturday, Shubman Gill, India’s current captain in Tests and ODIs and vice-captain in the T20Is, was dropped from the World Cup squad.&nbsp;If the same pattern continues, another statement could be on the way from the Indian team management. Surya, however, will have to buckle up and improve his form with just one more series remaining before the 2026 T20 World Cup begins on Indian soil on February 7.&nbsp;The likes of Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson are awaiting their opportunities in the Playing XI with the World Cup on the horizon. While these players are unlikely to bat at No.4, given the circumstances, it won’t be a surprise.&nbsp;Also, Surya’s future in the team will be an issue as well, considering he is keeping his position ahead of Shreyas Iyer and other key domestic performers.&nbsp;While the captain remains in place for now, it would not be a shock if Axar Patel leads the team during the World Cup, with an in-form batter replacing Surya in the XI.

Across the last nine innings for India and Mumbai (in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy), Suryakumar Yadav’s form has become a huge cause for concern for the management. During that period, he has scored 199 runs with an average of 24.88, raising concerns for the management.

The Indian team for the 2026 T20 World Cup was announced on Saturday (Dec 20) as the selectors’ panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, made a couple of bold decisions. The 15-man squad that will play in the 2026 T20 World Cup will not feature the likes of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma, while Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan have been granted wildcard entries. While a statement was made off the pitch, will there be an on-field statement as well with captain Suryakumar Yadav struggling for form? Surya’s concerning form Across the last nine innings for India and Mumbai (in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy), Suryakumar Yadav’s form has become a huge cause for concern for the management. During that period, he has scored 199 runs with an average of 24.88, raising concerns for the management. In his last 22 innings for India in T20Is, Surya’s form makes poor reading as well. During this period, Surya's average of 13.37 across 22 innings, with a total of 254 runs and no fifties, underscores prolonged struggles. His only notable performance was an unbeaten 47 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage in Dubai. The current India T20I captain’s last fifty for the national side came in Hyderabad against Bangladesh in October 2024. In fact, since becoming the captain of the Indian T20I side, he has managed to score only two fifties. Why is Surya’s position in trouble? Highly unlikely that a sitting captain will be dropped from the Playing XI for non-injury-related and rest issues; nothing is guaranteed in the Indian side. Rohit Sharma, India’s then Test captain during the 2024-25 Australia tour, was dropped from the Sydney Test in January. On Saturday, Shubman Gill, India’s current captain in Tests and ODIs and vice-captain in the T20Is, was dropped from the World Cup squad. If the same pattern continues, another statement could be on the way from the Indian team management. Surya, however, will have to buckle up and improve his form with just one more series remaining before the 2026 T20 World Cup begins on Indian soil on February 7. The likes of Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson are awaiting their opportunities in the Playing XI with the World Cup on the horizon. While these players are unlikely to bat at No.4, given the circumstances, it won’t be a surprise. Also, Surya’s future in the team will be an issue as well, considering he is keeping his position ahead of Shreyas Iyer and other key domestic performers. While the captain remains in place for now, it would not be a shock if Axar Patel leads the team during the World Cup, with an in-form batter replacing Surya in the XI.

Across the last nine innings for India and Mumbai (in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy), Suryakumar Yadav’s form has become a huge cause for concern for the management. During that period, he has scored 199 runs with an average of 24.88, raising concerns for the management.

Selectors make statement by dropping Gill, but should India drop SKY from Playing XI amid poor form?

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said he was surprised by Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. He added that while Gill has struggled in the recent T20I series against South Africa, but the class of a player always speaks at the end. Gill being left out was one of the biggest talking points, especially with Axar Patel being named vice-captain for the tournament. Speaking on air, the former Indian captain described the decision as a shock.&nbsp;“Not a bit of a surprise, it’s a surprise. Because he is a class act. Quality batter, who has had a fabulous season with the bat. Yes, I know he struggled for these few matches against South Africa," Gavaskar said while speaking on&nbsp;Star Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;“But you know, class always tells in the end. You know form is always a little temporary. And he was also coming after a long layoff. So when he wasn’t in any rhythm, one can understand when you aren’t in rhythm and you are playing the shortest format of the game, where you have to go bang, bang," Gavaskar added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ishan-kishan-s-first-reaction-after-t20-world-cup-2026-call-up-1766232583064">WATCH | Ishan Kishan's first reaction after T20 World Cup 2026 call-up</a>&nbsp;Despite being among India’s most consistent performers in Tests and ODIs, Gill has not been able to secure a fixed spot in the T20I team as an opener. India’s T20 plans now focus on aggressive starts rather than the steady accumulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-s-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-check-dates-venues-groups-and-key-matches-1766219395427">India’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: Check dates, venues, groups and key matches</a>&nbsp;"He is a very good player. We have seen that in the IPL, so T20 is not new to him. Maybe just that lack of form and touch went against him," Gavaskar further said.

Despite being among India’s most consistent performers in Tests and ODIs, Gill has not been able to secure a fixed spot in the T20I team as an opener. India’s T20 plans now focus on aggressive starts rather than the steady accumulation.

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said he was surprised by Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. He added that while Gill has struggled in the recent T20I series against South Africa, but the class of a player always speaks at the end. Gill being left out was one of the biggest talking points, especially with Axar Patel being named vice-captain for the tournament. Speaking on air, the former Indian captain described the decision as a shock. “Not a bit of a surprise, it’s a surprise. Because he is a class act. Quality batter, who has had a fabulous season with the bat. Yes, I know he struggled for these few matches against South Africa," Gavaskar said while speaking on Star Sports. “But you know, class always tells in the end. You know form is always a little temporary. And he was also coming after a long layoff. So when he wasn’t in any rhythm, one can understand when you aren’t in rhythm and you are playing the shortest format of the game, where you have to go bang, bang," Gavaskar added. Also Read - WATCH | Ishan Kishan's first reaction after T20 World Cup 2026 call-up Despite being among India’s most consistent performers in Tests and ODIs, Gill has not been able to secure a fixed spot in the T20I team as an opener. India’s T20 plans now focus on aggressive starts rather than the steady accumulation. Also Read - India’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: Check dates, venues, groups and key matches "He is a very good player. We have seen that in the IPL, so T20 is not new to him. Maybe just that lack of form and touch went against him," Gavaskar further said.

Despite being among India’s most consistent performers in Tests and ODIs, Gill has not been able to secure a fixed spot in the T20I team as an opener. India’s T20 plans now focus on aggressive starts rather than the steady accumulation.

'It’s a surprise': Sunil Gavaskar reacts to Shubman Gill’s T20 World Cup 2026 snub

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