"Indian cricket is a strange place" - Former CSK batter's stunning take on India's squad selection for 2026 T20 World Cup

Former Team India batter Robin Uthappa expressed surprise at Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma's exclusion from the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. The former was named India's T20I vice-captain after his return to the T20I side ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup.

However, Gill failed to capitalize on his opportunity despite opening the batting with his good friend Abhishek Sharma. The 26-year-old averaged a dismal 24.25 in 15 T20Is with no half-century.

Meanwhile, Jitesh's dropping was more a case of India prioritizing an opener as their reserve wicket-keeper. The 32-year-old played India's last seven T20I games before the World Cup squad was announced on Saturday, December 20.

Talking about the duo's sudden exclusion on his YouTube channel, Uthappa said (0:01):

"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 empathize with them. You've to feel bad for Shubman Gill. He's the captain of the Test and ODI side. Worst case scenario I thought somebody else maybe 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."

He continued:

"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."

Gill's exclusion meant Axar Patel was named as skipper Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in T20Is.

"The larger message is what concerns me" - Robin Uthappa on Indian cricket's decision-making

Robin Uthappa conceded that the Indian squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup is as strong as ever, despite the move to drop Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma. However, the former batter believes such eleventh-hour changes could create insecurity within Indian cricket.

"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 (via the aforementioned source).

The Men in Blue will enter the 2026 T20 World Cup as massive favorites, having won the title in 2024. They have also been on an incredible run in T20Is this year, winning 16 out of their 19 completed matches.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran