Ex-Wicketkeeper Highlights Challenges in New Indian T20 Squad Ahead of World Cup
Dinesh Karthik highlights India's vulnerability without legends.
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has raised serious concerns about India's prospects in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, emphasising that the team will compete in a major global T20 tournament without the immense experience and leadership of retired icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the very first time. Karthik's remarks underscore the significant void left by the duo's absence in the shortest format.
He expressed genuine surprise at the selectors' decision to omit Shubman Gill, the current Test and ODI captain who had previously held the vice-captaincy role in T20Is, as well as wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma from the 15-member squad selected for both the upcoming series against New Zealand and the World Cup itself. This exclusion marks a notable shift in team composition.
The squad was officially unveiled on Saturday by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, with all-rounder Axar Patel appointed as vice-captain. The announcement also featured encouraging comebacks for Ishan Kishan, rewarded for his match-winning leadership and explosive batting in Jharkhand's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph, alongside finisher Rinku Singh's return after being overlooked for the recent South Africa tour.
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While recognising the depth in the selected group—including dynamic players like Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy—Karthik cautioned that the lack of Rohit and Virat's proven big-match temperament could prove challenging. He also noted questions surrounding captain Suryakumar Yadav's recent form as an area of potential concern.
Overall, Karthik highlighted inconsistencies in selection strategy, particularly the abrupt sidelining of Gill despite prior long-term investment, signalling a clear transitional period for Indian T20 cricket as the team aims to defend its title without the guiding influence of its most celebrated modern-era performers.
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