Indian selectors on Saturday dropped Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill from the T20 squad for the World Cup in February after a prolonged slump 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 short of runs at the moment,” chief selector Ajit Agarkar told reporters in Mumbai.
However, batsman Suryakumar Yadav was retained as captain despite similar concerns over his form.
T20 specialist Suryakumar has managed just 244 runs in his last 22 innings in the format, without a fifty.
“We have full faith that our captain will deliver results during the World Cup,” Agarkar said.
Suryakumar acknowledged that his “bad streak” had gone on for too long.
“I know what to do. I have time to fix it. We will definitely see Surya as a batsman,” the captain said.
All-rounder Axar Patel was named Suryakumar’s deputy.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan was rewarded for his stellar 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 last round of international matches before the World Cup.
The tenth edition of the tournament, which will be hosted by Sri Lanka and India, will feature 20 nations.
India are the defending champions, having beaten South Africa in a thrilling 2024 final 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.
