Shubman Gill reflects on his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad, saying he believes destiny played its part and accepts the decision as something meant to happen.
Shubman Gill Labels T20 World Cup Omission as ‘Destined’
Indian Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has reacted calmly to his unexpected omission from the national squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, saying he has accepted the decision as part of his life’s journey and something guided by destiny.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the 26-year-old said he held no resentment over being left out of the tournament, which will be hosted on home soil. Instead, Gill emphasized his belief that everything in his career has unfolded as it was meant to.
“I strongly believe that where I am today is exactly where I am supposed to be,” Gill said. “Whatever is written in my destiny will eventually come to me.”
Gill’s comments came shortly before he leads India in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning Sunday in Vadodara. Following the series, several Indian players will shift focus to a five-match T20 series, though Gill will not be part of that setup.
The decision to exclude Gill from the T20 World Cup squad raised eyebrows, given his stature in Indian cricket and his leadership roles in Tests and ODIs. However, selectors cited his recent form in the shortest format as a key reason behind the move. Gill has managed 291 runs across his last 15 T20 matches, averaging just over 24, numbers that fell short of expectations for a World Cup contender.
Despite the disappointment, Gill stressed that his priority remains contributing to Indian cricket in whatever capacity he is selected. “As a player, my goal is always to win matches for my team,” he said. “That said, I fully respect the selectors’ decision. I genuinely wish the T20 side all the best and hope they go on to lift the World Cup.”
India’s T20 World Cup campaign will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with matches scheduled across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The team enters the tournament as defending champions, having won the previous edition in Barbados in 2024.
Before attention turns to the T20 event, India will lock horns with New Zealand in the 50-over format, a series that carries its own significance. Much of the spotlight will be on veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who remain key figures in the ODI setup.
Both Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup triumph last year and have also stepped away from Test cricket. However, their continued presence in ODIs has been invaluable, particularly for a relatively young captain like Gill.
Gill spoke highly of the influence the two senior players bring to the dressing room. “When you have players like Virat and Rohit in your team, it certainly makes things easier as a captain,” he said. “They’ve faced almost every situation imaginable in international cricket.”
He added that their experience becomes especially crucial during challenging moments in matches. “Whenever you find yourself in a difficult situation, you know they’ve been there before,” Gill explained. “You can always approach them, understand how they think, and learn what decisions they would make. That kind of insight is extremely valuable.”
At ages 37 and 38 respectively, Kohli and Rohit have shown little sign of slowing down. Both batters have enjoyed a resurgence in form, producing centuries and consistent run-scoring performances in both international and domestic competitions. Their recent displays have reinforced their importance to India’s ODI ambitions and silenced critics who questioned their longevity.
For Gill, captaining a side that includes two of India’s greatest modern-day cricketers is both a privilege and a learning opportunity. While he continues to establish himself as a leader across formats, he remains grounded in his outlook and focused on long-term growth.
Although missing out on the T20 World Cup is undoubtedly a setback, Gill’s composed response reflects his maturity and belief in the bigger picture. Rather than dwelling on the omission, he appears determined to focus on upcoming challenges and trust that future opportunities will come in time.
As India prepare for a busy international schedule, Gill’s leadership in the ODI series against New Zealand will be closely watched. His performances, both as a batter and captain, may yet shape future selection debates, including his potential return to the T20 setup.For now, Gill has made it clear that he respects the process, supports his teammates, and remains confident that destiny will take care of the rest.
