Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill has opened the door to a return to India’s T20I plans, admitting he wants to be in contention after being left out of the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. Gill spoke on the eve of the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Gujarat Titans take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While he currently leads India in both ODIs and Tests, his T20 record in 2025 was underwhelming, and that dip played a role in him being dropped from the national setup before the World Cup call-up.
Gill’s T20I comeback wish after 2026 World Cup miss
Gill’s comments came as he prepared for the IPL final, with his focus firmly on improving his game across formats. The right-handed batter, who tops India’s ODI and Test charts, endured a tough stretch in T20 cricket during 2025, managing only 291 runs across 15 matches. That outcome was followed by his omission from India’s T20I mix and exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad leading into the IPL.
- Gill said he would be “happy” to play for India if he is selected for the T20 team.
- He stressed his priority is continued work on his T20 skills, along with growth as an ODI and Test batter.
- He noted that perfection in cricket is never achievable, but the aim is continual improvement.
From last T20I appearance to IPL form driving renewed talk
Gill’s last T20I appearance came against South Africa on home soil in December 2025. Since then, IPL 2026 performances have sparked fresh debate about whether he can make his way back into the shortest-format conversation. Speaking before the Gujarat Titans’ title match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gill insisted that the absence of T20I call-ups has not disrupted his preparation routine.
- Gill last played a T20I versus South Africa at home in December 2025.
- He believes his current IPL form has reignited discussion around his potential return to T20 cricket.
- He said not being part of India’s T20I plans has not affected how he prepares.
Staying mentally fresh: Gill’s preparation approach
Gill made it clear that his mindset is built around staying sharp for what comes next. He linked mental freshness to understanding the tasks ahead—whether it is the next week, the following few weeks, or an upcoming series and tournament. In his view, focusing on controllable factors and executing the skills needed to succeed helps keep him mentally fit, while also reinforcing the importance of team performance.
- Gill said preparation is what keeps him mentally fresh for the coming week, the next couple of weeks, and the next series or tournament.
- He highlighted the value of identifying what is within his control and what he needs to do well to succeed.
- He added that knowing what the team must do collectively to win is central to keeping his mindset steady.
Gill backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a standout force in IPL 2026
In a separate reflection, Gill also pointed to Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as proof of how quickly momentum can build in T20 cricket. Gill described Sooryavanshi’s season as remarkable, saying he has not seen anyone bat in a similar way this year. He singled out the quality of his batting as more than mere boundary hitting—mentioning biomechanics and hand speed as key factors regardless of the opposition.
- Gill called Sooryavanshi’s season “remarkable” and said he has not seen anyone bat like him this year.
- He described Sooryavanshi as one of the best batters in the world in this format right now.
- Gill praised his biomechanics and hand speed, saying it holds up against any opponent.
With Sooryavanshi currently leading the season on 776 runs, Gill suggested that in the years ahead, the teams he faces will struggle to contain him. The Titans captain’s remarks came as IPL 2026’s final set the stage for Gujarat Titans versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
- Sooryavanshi is the current season leader with 776 runs.
- Gill said the opposition he faces in the future will have a tough time against him.
