Shubman Gill’s absence stood out, especially given his presence in recent squads, but his T20I form did not help his case.
India opted for an opening batter who can also keep wickets, which gave the team more flexibility in the middle and lower order.
Jitesh Sharma missed out despite being part of the setup, as the management leaned towards players who offer more adaptability across roles.
India’s selection reflected a clear preference for all-round options and flexible batters rather than specialist finishers alone.
Yashasvi Jaiswal remains a top talent, but being a specialist opener worked against him with Abhishek Sharma already settled at the top.
India’s squad choices were shaped more by role clarity and combinations than by reputation or past performances.