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Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma were excluded from India's T20 World Cup squad on Saturday. (AP and CREIMAS for BCCI)
Omission of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma from the 2026 World Cup squad did come as a surprise. While the form of Gill has been on a downward curve in the T20Is, the axing of Jitesh can be attributed to the team combination picked. Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa said that Indian cricket is a strange place and said one has to feel bad for Gill.
“Indian cricket is a strange place. You would think there would be some semblance of predictability. It’s a great side, a fantastic side, no doubt. But hearts are broken for sure. I empathise with them. You’ve got to feel bad for Shubman Gill. He’s the captain of the Test and ODI side. Worst case scenario, I thought somebody else might be named the vice captain, but he’ll find a spot in the side, maybe not in the 11, but he’ll find a spot in the side as a third opener.”
Speaking about Jitesh Sharma, Gill said, “Jitesh did nothing wrong. He has done exceptionally well. Having said that, the justification for the selections seems legit. It’s a solid side, but my heart goes out to Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma. Just take some time, guys. Deal with this and then come back strong. Your talent doesn’t disappear, and how unique and special you are for Indian cricket does not diminish because of this non-selection. You guys will do superb things in cricket. Just go back to the drawing board and be authentically you is what I would say to Shubman and Jitesh.”
“This team will do special things. I am happy with the side. But the larger message is what concerns me. There is a larger message that’s sent to the entire group, all of Indian cricket, and the entire fraternity when you make a decision like this. That anything can happen, and it can breed a lot of insecurity, which is something that bothers me,” said Uthappa.
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