As India gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, questions around the Men in Blue’s top order continue to spark debate. While the squad announcement is slated for December 20, 2025, the spotlight is firmly on Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, leaving selectors with some tough calls.
The Big Gill Question
Shubman Gill, India’s T20I vice-captain, has struggled for consistency in recent outings. He has gone 18 innings without a half-century, including the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, where he has managed scores of 4, 0, and 28 so far. Even his match-winning 28-ball 47 against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup was one of the few highlights.
Despite this, Gill’s long-term value and leadership role as vice-captain make him a strong contender for the opening slot. With the five-match T20I series against New Zealand ahead of the World Cup, selectors are likely giving him a runway to regain form.
Kishan’s Case
Ishan Kishan, fresh off a brilliant Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign with 517 runs and 33 sixes at a strike rate of 197.32, has made a compelling argument for selection. The catch? His runs have mostly come from the top-order slot, which currently looks locked with Gill and Abhishek Sharma.
Even as a backup opener or wicketkeeper, Kishan faces stiff competition from Sanju Samson, who has been preferred in recent T20I setups. The path to the playing XI is narrow, and unless Gill falters further, Kishan’s role is likely to be that of a supporting player.
Middle-Order Balance
Selectors also have to consider the middle-order composition, where Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube form a core. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has consistently valued all-rounders over specialists, which strengthens Washington Sundar’s case as a backup, pushing Rinku Singh further down the pecking order despite his match-winning heroics against Pakistan in Australia.
Verdict
For now, the opening pair of Gill and Abhishek Sharma looks set, with Kishan and Samson providing cover options. While Gill’s form is a worry, his vice-captaincy and experience offer security. Fans will be watching closely as India names its official 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026 this Saturday.
