Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara believes that Shubman Gill could turn his T20 World Cup 2026 snub into a positive opportunity during IPL 2026. The captain of the Indian ODI and Test teams was left out of the 15-member squad for the prestigious tournament due to disappointing performances in T20Is. As IPL 2026 approaches, Pujara mentioned that while this exclusion might actually benefit Gill, he needs to focus on improving his strike rate to win back the selectors' favor for T20Is. 

 

Can Shubman Gill Bounce Back for Gujarat Titans After T20 WC Snub?

 

In a discussion on JioHotstar’s Game Plan Know Your Team, Pujara expressed his view that Gill is a versatile player, and a standout season in IPL 2026 could help him regain his spot in the T20I lineup. Last season, the Gujarat Titans captain was the second-highest run-scorer for his team, amassing 650 runs in 15 matches with an impressive average of 50. 

 

“The T20 World Cup squad snub will definitely fire up Shubman Gill. He is a quality player suited for all three formats. If he has a good IPL 2026 season, he will surely put his name in India’s T20I squad. He is leading the Test squad and is also the ODI captain. He is a multi-format player. If he has a good season, he will be back in the scheme of things for the Indian team,” Pujara said.

 

Also Read | IPL Owners Face Setback As Big Bash League Privatization Plan Hits Roadblock

 

Gill had a strike rate of 155.87 in IPL 2025, and he’ll be aiming to either maintain or even enhance those figures in IPL 2026 while opening the batting for GT. Alongside Sudharsan and Jos Buttler, he was instrumental in scoring a significant portion of the team's runs last season. Pujara suggests that Gill should aim to ramp up his game in IPL 2026, targeting a strike rate of 160. 

 

Former cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara thinks that Shubman Gill can turn his T20 World Cup 2026 snub into motivation for a standout IPL 2026 season. Pujara suggests that Gill should work on boosting his strike rate to around 160, which could help him catch the selectors' attention and enhance his chances across multiple formats with the Gujarat Titans.

 

“There will be some pressure on him because he has not been part of the India squad in the shortest format. But at the same time, it is a great opportunity for him to carry on batting the way he has. He needs to try and accelerate a little more because that is something he has been working on. This IPL season is the perfect one for him to show he can bat at a strike rate of 150 to 160,” Pujara added.