Mumbai/IBNS, Dec. 20 -- India's selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, delivered a surprise-packed squad announcement for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, leaving out Shubman Gill and reinstating Axar Patel as vice-captain.

The decisions underline a clear shift towards combinations and role clarity as India prepare to defend their title on home soil.

Gill's exclusion emerged as the most striking takeaway from the squad announcement.

Despite being one of India's most dependable batters across formats and the team's designated vice-captain in recent months, the Punjab batter found himself outside the 15-man squad.

Agarkar acknowledged Gill's quality but explained that the call stemmed from team balance rather than individual merit....