Indian selectors on Saturday left Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill out of the T20 squad for the World Cup in February after a prolonged dip in form.
Gill, 26, has scored just 291 runs in his last 15 matches in the shortest format of the game, at an average of 24.25.
“Shubman Gill is lacking runs at the moment,” chief selector Ajit Agarkar told reporters in Mumbai.
However, batter Suryakumar Yadav was retained as captain despite similar concerns over his form.
A T20 specialist, Suryakumar has managed just 244 runs in his last 22 innings in the format, without a single fifty.
“We have full confidence in our captain to deliver during the World Cup,” Agarkar said.
Suryakumar acknowledged that his “difficult period” had lasted too long.
“I know what to do. I have time to fix this. We will definitely see Surya batting,” the captain said.
All-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed as Suryakumar’s deputy.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has been rewarded for his exceptional form in domestic cricket with a place in the 15-member squad.
Kishan last played for India in 2023.
The same team will also play five T20Is at home against New Zealand starting January 21, the final round of international matches before the World Cup.
The 10th edition of the tournament, which will be hosted by Sri Lanka and India, will bring together 20 nations.
India are the defending champions, having beaten South Africa in a thrilling final in 2024 in Barbados.
World T20 Team:
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain) Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan.
