Ishan Kishan’s remarkable form has sparked an important discussion in Indian cricket circles about how players should be selected for the national team. As India gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, which begins on February 7, the focus has shifted to the criteria used for team selection. The experts on the show ‘Follow The Blues’ on JioStar shared their insights, underscoring that performances in domestic cricket should play a crucial role, rather than solely relying on IPL statistics.
Sunil Gavaskar, a celebrated cricketer and commentator, expressed his surprise that Shubman Gill was left out of the squad. He stated, “Shubman is a quality player who has displayed excellent skills, especially after the 2024 T20 World Cup. It’s true he encountered some difficulties in matches against South Africa, but every player goes through phases of inconsistency. In T20 cricket, rhythm is key, and it can take time to regain it after a break. His style, which is more suited to Test cricket, doesn’t always shine in the T20 format. Despite this, we know he has the talent; he’s proven that in the IPL.”
When discussing Ishan Kishan’s inclusion, Gavaskar commended the selectors for making decisions based on current form. He noted, “Ishan has consistently performed well, especially in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This indicates that domestic performances should indeed be a selection criterion, not just IPL stats. Ishan’s comeback is inspiring; after being out of the team for years, he has successfully led his state team, Jharkhand, to victory—something that certainly deserves recognition.”
Gavaskar also expressed sympathy for Jitesh Sharma, who missed out despite showing promise. He said, “Jitesh has been great behind the stumps and has delivered well whenever given a chance. It’s unfortunate for him, but he is young and can bounce back. Going back to domestic tournaments, he just needs to keep showcasing his skills.”
Harbhajan Singh, another expert on the show, echoed Gavaskar’s sentiments about the selection choices. He praised chief selector Ajit Agarkar for the challenging decisions made. “Selecting a squad is never easy, and even though it’s tough to leave out someone like Shubman Gill, it’s important to think about team balance. Having a powerful hitter like Ishan Kishan in the squad adds depth, especially since he can also keep wickets. I am pleased with the inclusion of Rinku Singh as well; it shows the selectors are prioritizing current form.”
Regarding Shubman Gill, Harbhajan pointed out that his omission does not diminish his abilities. “It’s crucial to understand that Shubman is a player of great quality. This selection is based on what the team needs right now. He’s capable of bouncing back stronger. I believe the management will communicate the reasons clearly to him, emphasizing that it’s about team dynamics and not questioning his ability.”
Saba Karim, another JioStar expert, highlighted the strategic shift in squad selection. “The committee’s focus on current performance is commendable. They needed to adapt by selecting a wicketkeeper who can also score aggressively at the top of the order. Such bold decisions before a World Cup are rare, but they can be crucial. It’s more about finding the right combination than just sticking with familiar faces. Shubman’s past performances were considered, but the selectors wanted to explore different partnerships.”
This approach emphasizes a paradigm shift in how teams are built. Domestic performances, exemplified by Kishan’s stellar run lately, are stepping into the limelight. This could mark the beginning of a new trend in selecting the best players for the national side, encouraging talents from domestic leagues. With the World Cup just around the corner, the excitement among fans to see how these decisions play out is palpable.
In conclusion, Ishan Kishan’s current form has set a high standard and advocates for the importance of domestic cricket performances in team selection. As the members of the board think about balancing the squad for the T20 World Cup, it will be fascinating to see how these new dynamics unfold. The future looks bright for Kishan and other domestic heroes, proving that hard work and dedication can indeed open doors on the bigger stage.
#IshanKishan #T20WorldCup2026 #CricketSelection #DomesticCricket #TeamIndia #HarbhajanSingh #SunilGavaskar #CricketExperts #IndianCricket #JioStar
Original Text – https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/jiostar-experts-sunil-gavaskar-harbhajan-singh-and-saba-karim-praised-shubman-gill-and-welcomed-ishan-kishan-1925218