Former India batter Aakash Chopra said Shubman Gill is likely to continue as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup 2026, though he noted that Hardik Pandya remains an option. Gill was named vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, but a drop in form has led to criticism. While selecting his India squad for the T20 World Cup, Chopra included Gill but said the team management may not finalise the vice-captaincy yet and could also consider Hardik.“The fact is that Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Sanju Samson will be the three openers in this team. I have picked Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper and an opening option. As for Abhishek Sharma, let’s not even talk about it, because I feel he could be the highest run-scorer of the World Cup,” Chopra said on his YouTube. channel

“If you are wondering why Shubman Gill has been picked-if you have appointed someone vice-captain, you won’t pivot that soon. I am not going to put my neck on the line and say that Shubman definitely will be the vice-captain. The team might leave the vice-captain slot open, or they might appoint Hardik Pandya just to keep their options open,” he added.Chopra named Jitesh Sharma as the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Sanju Samson as the second option. In the pace department, he selected Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana as specialist fast bowlers, with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube as seam-bowling all-round options.“After that, Jasprit Bumrah-let’s not discuss him; why waste time? Arshdeep Singh, let’s not discuss; why waste time? Then Varun Chakaravarthy-there is no discussion. Why should we waste your and my time? I feel Varun Chakaravarthy could be the highest wicket-taker of this tournament,” Chopra said.“After that, you have to keep Kuldeep Yadav in the team to give yourselves options. Then only one slot is left. You can pick any fast bowler there, so I am keeping Harshit Rana. He also provides a batting option at No. 8,” he added.