Former India batter turned commentator Robin Uthappa showed surprise at Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma’s exclusion from the 2026 T20 World Cup squad as well. Gill was named India’s T20I vice-captain after his return to the T20I side ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, but failed to do well on his opportunity despite opening the batting with Abhishek Sharma. However, Gill averaged 24.25 in 15 T20Is with no half-century as well.
Talking about this on his YouTube channel, Uthappa said: “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.”
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“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,” he again shared.
However, Robin Uthappa also said that the Indian squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup is as strong as ever, despite the absence of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma. However, he also believes such sudden changes
could create insecurity within the team as well.
“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,” Robin Uthappa concluded.
