Hardik Pandya may replace Shubman Gill as India’s T20 World Cup 2026 vice-captain amid leadership uncertainty, cricket expert suggests

Former India batter Aakash Chopra says leadership for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 isn’t finalized, hinting Hardik Pandya could be considered for vice-captaincy instead of Shubman Gill.

New Delhi, December 20 2025:As India prepares for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, speculation is growing about the team’s leadership roles, with cricket analyst Aakash Chopra suggesting a shake-up in the vice-captaincy position. while Shubman Gill currently holds the deputy role under captain Suryakumar Yadav after being named vice-captain in recent series, Chopra said the team may keep that slot open when finalising the World Cup squad and could consider all-rounder Hardik Pandya for the position.

Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, included Gill in his projected 15-man India squad for the tournament but made it clear that leadership decisions were still fluid. He noted that while Gill remains part of the plans as a top-order batter, the vice-captaincy might not be locked in and selectors might use Pandya’s experience and all-round skills to fill the role.

The discussion comes amid mixed form from India’s T20 leaders. Gill’s recent performances have drawn criticism, and his place in the batting order and leadership group has been debated by fans and pundits, especially after some uneven results in limited-overs cricket.

Hardik Pandya, who has returned to form in international white-ball cricket and remains a key all-round option, is seen by some as a strong leadership candidate because of his experience and tactical understanding of the game.Team selection and leadership roles will ultimately be decided by the BCCI and the national selectors as part of World Cup preparations, with final decisions expected in the coming weeks ahead of the tournament’s February start.

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