Shubman Gill says it is "destiny" that he will not be playing for India at the T20 World Cup, and he respects the selectors' decision to drop him.

India's vice-captain was surprisingly left out of the squad for the upcoming tournament on home soil, with Axar Patel filling the leadership role in his absence.

Gill did miss India's most recent match in the shortest format, a 30-run win over South Africa on December 19, due to a foot injury.

He had scored just 291 runs in his 15 T20I matches in 2025 at an average of 24.25.

But Gill, who will lead India in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on Sunday, was at peace with the decision.

"Firstly, it is my belief that in my life, I am where I am supposed to be. Whatever is written in my destiny, I will have it," Gill told reporters.

"As a player, I want to win games for my team, but having said that, I respect the selectors' decision. I wish the T20 team the very best. I hope that they win the World Cup."

India’s squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 announced

Let's cheer for the defending champions #TeamIndia | #MenInBlue | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7CpjGh60vk

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 20, 2025

The upcoming 50-over series will see the spotlight put on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with the pair also not playing in the World Cup, having retired from T20Is following their 2024 triumph.

"When you have these two people [like Kohli and Rohit] in your team, it makes your life a lot easier," said Gill.

"And whenever you are in a tough situation, they have been in those kinds of situations and conditions many times in their life, so you can always go to them and see how they are thinking or what they would do.

"And that piece of information is very valuable for any captain."