India, Dec. 21 -- If Shubman Gill can, why can't Suryakumar Yadav be?

That's been one of the popular refrains in the last 24 hours, after India's selection panel, helmed by Ajit Agarkar, decided to dump the vice-captain for the title defence of the T20 World Cup early next year, but kept faith with the equally misfiring skipper who, if it were possible, has even worse figures than his disappointing former deputy.

Since his return to the T20I set-up after 13 months this September at the Asia Cup, Gill has a highest of 47 in 15 matches. 47 (not out) is also Suryakumar's highest in 2025, in 19 innings that have produced nine single-digit efforts and a mere two 25-plus scores.

Gill is 26, Suryakumar is 35; the latter is closer to the end o...