BCCI issues clarification on Shubman Gill’s ouster from T20 World Cup 2026

Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has showered praise on captain Shubman Gill for embracing the tough challenge of playing across all formats ahead of the Test series against South Africa at home. Ten Doeschate stated that maintaining form and fitness in every format is an immense challenge.

However, his performances in the white-ball formats were below expectations, with inconsistent outings across both ODIs and T20Is. The dip in form has sparked discussions among fans and experts about whether Shubman Gill's growing workload across all formats is taking a toll on his consistency with the bat.

Shubman Gill Has Taken Up This Challenge - Ryan ten Doeschate

Just days after the Australian tour, Shubman Gill is set to lead India in the home series against South Africa. The upcoming matches are part of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

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Speaking ahead of the series, Ryan ten Doeschate noted that very few players manage to balance performances across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. He also added that Shubman Gill and the rest of the squad are dedicated to staying in top shape to meet the demands of all formats.

"It's super challenging to play all the formats. That's why you see lesser and lesser players playing all formats. Shubman Gill has taken up this challenge and is up for it. The boys are putting up so much work to be in a good shape for the challenge," Ryan ten Doeschate said in the pre-match press conference (via RevSportz).

Nitish Kumar Reddy Will Miss Out on the XI - Ryan ten Doeschate

Ryan ten Doeschate also hinted that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to be left out of the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa to make room for the in-form Dhruv Jurel. Ten Doeschate stated that Nitish remains an important part of the squad.

"Our position hasn't changed on Nitish. He didn't get a chance in Australia. But looking at the challenge here, I think he'll miss out on the XI this week," the assistant coach said.

"Very important to balance the batting depth and specialist bowlers. We don't want to sacrifice someone just to bring in an all-rounder for the sake of it," he added.

Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant Set to Play Together

Dhruv Jurel’s outstanding form for India A has strengthened his case for selection. The young wicketkeeper-batter hit back-to-back centuries (132 and 127) against South Africa A. He has scored three tons and a fifty in his last eight first-class innings.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was included during India’s white-ball tour of Australia in Hardik Pandya’s absence, suffered a left quadriceps injury during the ODI series and missed the subsequent T20Is.

Jurel and Rishabh Pant played together in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series opener in Perth. The first Test is set to begin on November 14 at Eden Gardens. India will look to extend their dominant home record against South Africa, having won seven of the last eight Tests between the sides.

Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma get 1 more ICC tournament after 2027 World Cup