Whatever is written in my destiny no one can take that from me: Gill on T20 World Cup exclusion

India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill on Saturday said he has made peace with his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, stressing that he respects the selectors’ decision and remains committed to giving his best whenever called upon.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand here on Sunday, the 26 year old reflected on the situation with composure. “I am where I have to be and whatever is written in my destiny no one can take that from me,” Gill said, adding that staying focused on the present helps him navigate the uncertainties of selection.

Gill, who leads India in the longer formats, has played 36 T20 Internationals, scoring 869 runs at an average of 28.03 with a strike rate of 138.59. While his numbers show steady contributions, consistency at the top of the order and competition for batting slots have worked against him in the shortest format. With the selectors prioritising more explosive batting options and flexible combinations, Gill missed out on the final World Cup squad.

India will play three ODIs followed by three T20Is against New Zealand as part of their build up to the World Cup, which begins on February 7 . Gill said the series holds special memories for him, recalling that he made his ODI debut against New Zealand, an experience he continues to cherish.

The Indian captain also dismissed the idea that any one format is easier than the others. Pointing out that India have not won an ODI World Cup since 2011 , Gill said success in any format demands sustained effort, preparation and mental strength.

Gill also spoke about the frustration of being sidelined due to injury. In November , he missed the second Test against South Africa and the subsequent ODI series after sustaining a neck injury that required hospitalisation. He admitted that missing matches is particularly difficult as a captain, as it disrupts momentum and limits the ability to build continuity with the team.

Highlighting the importance of preparation, Gill said the team has struggled with tight schedules while switching between formats. He felt that limited preparation time ahead of recent series affected performance, stressing that adequate preparation is crucial, especially when transitioning from white ball to red ball cricket.

Despite the setback, Gill’s remarks reflected a calm acceptance of the situation, with the focus firmly on preparation, performance and staying ready for future opportunities.