Mohammad Kaif Hits Out at BCCI Over Gill Error: ‘Indian Cricket Has Gone Behind’

Mohammad Kaif Slams BCCI Over Gill Selection, Calls Indian Cricket ‘Backward’

Former India cricketer and commentator Mohammad Kaif has taken aim at the BCCI and selectors for bringing Shubman Gill back into the T20I side, calling the move a backward step for Indian cricket.

Gill, reappointed as vice-captain ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, replaced Sanju Samson in the opening order despite Samson’s stellar form, including three centuries in the past 12 months. However, the 19-year-old struggled, scoring just 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25, with a strike rate of 137.26 and a highest score of 47. His poor form ultimately led to his exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with Ishan Kishan returning to the side.

Kaif criticised the selectors for overlooking other promising options, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma.

“They knew there were better players, I am talking about the T20 format. There were better options than Gill. So it was a mistake by the selectors. Indian cricket has gone backwards. For two to three months, you could have invested in Jaiswal, Samson, and Jitesh,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

While welcoming Gill’s eventual drop, Kaif slammed the lack of foresight and planning, calling the period “a waste of time.”

“You carried Gill till the very end and then dropped him. I feel it is the right call. It came late, but it was right. The planning is zero. You backed a player who is not ready right now. No one wanted to drop him, but it has been a waste of time for Indian cricket and for those players who deserved the opportunity,” he added.

With Gill out, Sanju Samson will resume opening alongside Abhishek Sharma in the upcoming series against New Zealand, starting 21 January. Kishan will wait for his opportunity later in the five-match series.