India’s plan to groom Shubman Gill as the future T20I captain has hit a sudden roadblock, leaving the BCCI and selectors scrambling just months before the England tour and the T20 World Cup 2026.
With Shubhman Gill dropped from the T20 World Cup squad due to poor form and inconsistent performances, the Indian cricket board now appears set to turn back to Hardik Pandya as the leading choice to captain the side in the shortest format of the game.
Shubman Gill’s Leadership Blueprint Falters
Shubhman Gill’s rise in Indian cricket was swift. He was named Test captain and even filled the T20I vice-captaincy role under Suryakumar Yadav in the recent series. However, a long slump in T20 form and a string of low scores led to his omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar publicly cited a lack of runs as a key reason for the move, with Gill scoring just 291 runs across 15 innings in recent T20 matches.
Selectors also made tactical changes, opting for a combination that values flexible batting roles and dual keepers like Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, which ultimately squeezed Gill out of the shortest format setup.
What does This Mean for India’s T20 Leadership?
With Gill out of the T20 World Cup squad, the BCCI must rethink its captaincy plans. Suryakumar Yadav remains India’s T20I captain for now, but questions surround how long he will lead, given his age and form. The selectors are under pressure to plan for a post-SKY era as the 2026 global event approaches.
This fractured scenario opens the door for Hardik Pandya, a seasoned all-rounder with prior leadership experience. Pandya has led India in limited matches and has strong credentials, including captaining the Mumbai Indians and guiding the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title. His consistent white-ball performance and improved fitness make him a compelling choice.
Hardik Pandya is Back in the Captaincy Conversation
Hardik Pandya was long viewed as a natural leader, stepping in for Rohit Sharma during his tenure and holding vice-captaincy roles. Fans and pundits alike expected him to take over full leadership after Rohit’s T20I retirement.
However, concerns over fitness and workload had previously kept selectors from fully backing him. Now, with Gill’s plan fading, those earlier concerns may carry less weight as Pandya focuses squarely on white-ball cricket and T20 duties.
His leadership record in the IPL and his experience in T20Is make him a trusted option. The selectors are likely to monitor his performance closely in the upcoming home series and the next IPL season before finalising long-term plans.
Alternative Leadership Options
Beyond Pandya, there are other names in the mix. Axar Patel has been entrusted with vice-captaincy roles and brings a calm presence, though he has yet to lead India in international matches.
Sanju Samson, with his strong IPL captaincy record, also figures as a possible future leader, though he lacks experience at the international captaincy level. Despite these options, none currently match Pandya’s blend of experience and leadership exposure.
What Comes Next for India’s T20I Team?
India’s selectors now face a critical leadership decision just months before the next T20 World Cup. With Shubman Gill’s T20I tenure in limbo, the focus shifts to building a stable and competitive side under a new captain.
Whether Hardik Pandya permanently takes the reins or a younger leader emerges, the road to England and the global event promises more shifts in strategy and team structure.