Shubman Gill's sudden removal as India's T20 vice-captain and exclusion from the 15-member T20 World Cup squad starting in February is a big surprise. Just months back, Gill had returned to the T20I squad and was elevated into the leadership group, but a string of low scores with his various injury problems made him out of the plan for India. The announcement from the BCCI office in Mumbai was the hottest topic generated post-India's squad announcement. Selectors Explain the Decision Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that it was tough to drop Gill, but the decision was taken to keep the balance of the team composition. After Devajit Saikia made the announcement, Agarkar said: "Shubman was the vice-captain; he's not in the team. Axar was the vice-captain when the T20s used to clash. About continuity, you're looking at combinations. If your keeper is going to bat at the top, you want a keeper who can play there. Jitesh was there, Shubman is a quality player and unfortunate to miss out. Combinations more than anything else, two keepers at the top. Rinku comes, who gives that lower middle order option." The selectors also wanted a strong finisher in the lower middle order, which opened the door for Rinku Singh to be included. Also Read | India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 Announced by BCCI Poor Form Added Pressure Gill has struggled in the recent T20s. His scores of 4, 0, and 28 in the first three T20Is against South Africa put him under pressure during that crucial time. The competition for spots has now become tougher with other openers and wicketkeeper-bats in better form. With form, he also had to face the fitness battle. He was out of action during the South Africa Test series due to a neck sprain that required hospitalisation. He missed the ODIs but returned for the T20Is despite having another niggle before the fourth match in Lucknow. As confirmed by captain Suryakumar Yadav, the decision to miss the series decider in Ahmedabad was injury. But today, such exclusion shows that the selectors had already walked with another plan. Injuries Made Situation Worse Gill's recurrent injuries this season have done no good for his case. The selector would always prefer a fully fit player ahead of a major tournament, so Gill's fitness uncertainty might have gone against him. His talent is indisputable, but the BCCI appears to favour form-fit players for the World Cup. Though, the selectors insisted that Gill still remains an important player in India's future plans and that with his return to form and fitness, he will make a comeback. With several international assignments lined up in 2026, Gill is expected to be back in the mix soon.