Shubman Gill T20 World Cup Snub Not End of Road, Harbhajan Singh Warns Critics

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has strongly backed Shubman Gill following the star batter’s omission from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, cautioning critics against writing off one of Indian cricket’s most technically gifted players after a single setback.

Gill’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad, along with the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, triggered widespread debate among fans and experts alike. The decision was particularly striking given that Gill continues to play a central role in India’s red-ball and 50-over plans and is regarded as a long-term leader in the national setup.

Reacting to the criticism surrounding the omission, Harbhajan emphasised that the call was driven more by competition and tactical requirements than by any shortcoming in Gill’s ability. According to him, modern T20 cricket has become fiercely competitive, with multiple players vying for limited spots based on team combinations and match conditions.

Harbhajan described Gill as a “class player” with a strong technique and temperament, insisting that the World Cup snub should not be seen as a verdict on his T20 potential. He underlined that Gill’s journey in the shortest format is far from over and that talented players often return stronger after being left out.

The former off-spinner also highlighted that the team management had clearly explained the reasoning behind Gill’s exclusion. With selectors and leadership opting for aggressive, flexible batting options and specific combinations suited to home conditions, Gill narrowly missed out despite his overall stature in Indian cricket.

In recent years, India’s T20 strategy has increasingly favoured power-hitters, all-rounders and batters who can adapt roles quickly. This shift has led to intense competition at the top of the order, where even established names are no longer guaranteed selection. Gill’s more classical approach, while highly effective in Tests and ODIs, has sometimes been viewed as less explosive in the T20 format — a perception that has contributed to the ongoing debate around his role in the shortest version of the game.

Despite the disappointment, Gill has responded in the best way possible — by getting back to work. The 25-year-old has resumed focused training sessions, spending long hours in the nets to sharpen his skills and maintain rhythm. He remains firmly in India’s ODI plans and is set to feature in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand beginning January 11.

In line with the board’s emphasis on domestic cricket, Gill has also made himself available for Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, ensuring regular match practice and competitive exposure. Observers have noted his intent to refine his game rather than dwell on selection setbacks.

Questions around Gill’s T20 future persist, especially after mixed returns in recent T20I outings. However, Harbhajan’s backing serves as a reminder that elite careers are rarely shaped by a single omission. With age, technique and temperament on his side, Gill still has time to evolve his T20 game and reclaim his place.

For now, his absence from the World Cup squad may feel like a pause, not a full stop — and voices like Harbhajan Singh’s suggest that Shubman Gill’s T20 story is far from finished.