With Shubman Gill dropped from T20 World Cup plans, questions are being raised over Suryakumar Yadav’s place within the squad. A more in-depth have a look at 2025 numbers exhibits Suryakumar’s stats have been even worse, sparking debate over choice consistency and equity.
India’s had a strong run in T20Is this 12 months. Out of 21 video games, they picked up 16 wins, dropped simply three, and had a few no-results. They hammered England 4-1, breezed by means of the Asia Cup unbeaten, edged out Australia 2-1, after which took down South Africa 3-1. Since successful the 2024 T20 World Cup, they’ve racked up 29 wins in 36 matches. Only 5 losses and two no-results in that stretch. Now, with the World Cup simply 45 days away, they’re gearing as much as defend their crown.
But the squad announcement for the 2026 T20 World Cup on December 20 raised eyebrows. Shubman Gill, the vice-captain and present skipper in Tests and ODIs, didn’t make the reduce. He’s been dropped for poor type. Axar Patel steps in as vice-captain. This similar group will tackle New Zealand in a five-match T20I sequence from January 21 to 31—India’s final cease earlier than the large match.
Gill’s numbers in T20Is this 12 months are tough. He’s performed 15 matches, scored 291 runs, and hasn’t even cracked a fifty. His common sits at 24.25, strike charge at 137.26. Not precisely headline stuff. Still, right here’s the kicker—Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, has struggled much more with the bat. Sure, he’s led the staff to wins, but his personal batting stats are arduous to disregard.
In 2025, Suryakumar has batted 19 instances in 21 video games, with three not-outs. He’s managed simply 218 runs, with a high rating of 47 not out. His common? A depressing 13.62. Strike charge? Only 123.16. So, if you happen to’re simply wanting on the numbers, Gill’s really accomplished higher. Yet he’s the one neglected, whereas Suryakumar stays put.
Is it simply because he’s the captain? Maybe the selectors don’t wish to mess with the management so near the World Cup. Whatever the rationale, Suryakumar will get a shot at redemption. Gill, in the meantime, is left questioning if he’ll ever put on the India T20I jersey once more. He’s younger, so time’s on his facet, but proper now, nothing else is. His type’s gone, the selectors have moved on, and accidents maintain piling up. A neck challenge final month, a foot damage this month, and he’s missed six video games throughout codecs. Honestly, it’s a tricky spot for him.
India’s World Cup marketing campaign kicks off February 7 in opposition to the USA. The large one—India vs Pakistan—is on February 15. They’re chasing historical past: a 3rd title, back-to-back wins, and a shot at being the primary hosts to carry the trophy. The Men in Blue began all of it by successful the inaugural version in 2007. Can they do it once more on March 8? We’ll simply have to attend and watch.
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