The BCCI announced the 15-member squad on December 20, omitting Gill—the Test and ODI captain and recent T20I vice-captain—despite earlier projections of him as a future all-format leader. Ishan Kishan earned a recall after a blistering domestic season, while Axar Patel took over as vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav.
A PTI report highlighted growing unease, with players questioning selection security after such a high-profile exclusion. The move is seen as ending the board's long-term "Project Gill," shifting toward aggressive combinations favoring wicketkeeper-openers.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the call as prioritizing team balance over individual form. "It's about combinations," he said, noting Gill's recent struggles and the preference for flexible top-order options.
Gill, 26, managed only modest returns in T20Is upon his 2025 return, failing to convert starts amid pressure for higher strike rates. His last half-century in the format came earlier, with recent scores underscoring the dip.
The decision underscores Gambhir's no-superstar-culture approach, rewarding current performers like Kishan, who topped the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy charts.
With the tournament co-hosted by India starting February 7, the squad faces scrutiny over depth and morale. Gill, meanwhile, joins Punjab for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, eyeing a return through domestic runs ahead of the New Zealand ODIs.
