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.
But batsman Suryakumar Yadav was retained as captain despite similar concerns over his form.
Suryakumar, a T20 specialist, has managed just 244 runs across his last 22 innings in the format, without a single fifty.
“We have full faith that our captain will deliver during the World Cup,” Agarkar said.
Suryakumar acknowledged that his “rough patch” had been going on for too long.
“I know what to do. I have time to fix it. We will definitely see Surya that dough,” said the captain.
All-rounder Axar Patel was named as 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 home T20Is against New Zealand from January 21, the last round of internationals before the World Cup.
The 10th edition of the tournament, which will be hosted by Sri Lanka and India, will feature 20 nations.
India are the defending champions after beating South Africa in a thrilling final in 2024 in Barbados.
World T20 Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Axar Patel (vice-capt) Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Kis Sundar, Washington.
