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Shubman Gill overlooked as former KKR spinner picks IPL 2026 Team of the Tournament

Siyan Sethi
· 4 min read
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Controversial Selections Rock the IPL 2026 Season End

As the curtains prepare to fall on the IPL 2026 season with the grand final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, the cricket community has been set ablaze by a surprising selection. Former Indian spinner and respected broadcaster Murali Kartik recently revealed his ‘Team of the Tournament’ on Cricbuzz, and his choices have ignited widespread discussion among fans and experts alike.

Most notably, the list features a significant snub: Shubman Gill overlooked as former KKR spinner picks IPL 2026 Team of the Tournament. The Gujarat Titans skipper has been a cornerstone of his team’s success, amassing a staggering 722 runs across 16 matches. Despite leading his team to the final, Gill failed to find a spot in Kartik’s elite eleven, a decision that has left many questioning the criteria used for selection.

The Rise of Youth and Consistent Performers

While Gill’s omission remains the primary talking point, Kartik’s squad does highlight several standout performers who defined the 2026 season. The inclusion of Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, serves as the standout pick. Sooryavanshi, who set the league on fire with a fearless batting display and 776 runs to his name, was designated as the Impact Player.

Alongside him, Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan earned a spot as an opening partner. Sudharsan has been a model of consistency, crossing the 700-run milestone once again, proving that the future of Indian cricket is in capable hands.

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The Middle Order and Leadership

Virat Kohli, a perennial force in the IPL, secured a position at number three. The RCB veteran maintained his high standards, scoring over 600 runs and playing an instrumental role in guiding his team to their second consecutive final appearance.

The middle order is brimming with explosive talent, featuring Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, alongside RCB captain Rajat Patidar. Patidar, who has been in scintillating form, was not only selected for his 486 runs at a strike rate exceeding 196 but was also named the captain of this honorary side. His tactical leadership, which helped RCB secure their maiden title last year and reach the final again this season, made him an obvious choice for the leadership role.

All-Rounders and Bowling Dominance

Kartik opted for a balanced squad, strengthening the team with three versatile all-rounders. Sunil Narine of KKR, Krunal Pandya of RCB, and Nitish Kumar Reddy of SRH were chosen for their dual-threat capabilities. Pandya’s contribution of 225 runs and 13 wickets, coupled with Reddy’s 302 runs and 8 wickets, highlight the importance of depth in modern T20 cricket. Narine continued his steady impact with 15 wickets in 13 matches.

The bowling attack is equally formidable. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the veteran swing master, leads the pace unit after a sensational season with RCB, claiming 26 wickets at a remarkable strike rate of 8. He is joined by the express pace of Jofra Archer, who dismantled opposition lineups with 25 wickets, and the current Purple Cap holder, Kagiso Rabada. Rabada, representing the Gujarat Titans, remains the quintessential T20 death bowler, having secured 28 wickets throughout the tournament.

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Reflecting on the Selection

While Murali Kartik’s team is undoubtedly filled with match-winners, the absence of stalwarts like Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan highlights the sheer depth of talent currently available in the IPL. In a season defined by aggressive batting and high-scoring encounters, selecting only eleven players is an unenviable task. However, the decision to leave out the leading figure of one of the tournament’s finalists serves as a reminder that in the eyes of experts, even the most impressive statistics can sometimes be eclipsed by personal preference or specific team balance requirements. As the final match approaches, all eyes will be on these players to see if they can justify their inclusion—or prove their doubters wrong on the biggest stage of all.

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Siyan Sethi

Siyan Sethi is a senior cricket correspondent for The Telegraph India, widely regarded as one of the freshest and most thoughtful voices covering women's cricket in the country. A graduate of Chennai's M.O.P. Vaishnav College, she began her career reporting on college and university women's tournaments before transitioning to the national beat. Siyan follows the Indian women's team at every ICC event and has been a constant presence through the transformative early years of the Women's Premier League. Her writing is known for combining sharp tactical observation—particularly around the rise of power‑hitting and athletic fielding—with a deep commitment to tracking the grassroots pathways that bring young girls from small‑town academies into the professional game. Siyan also contributes comparative pieces on global T20 leagues such as The Hundred and the WBBL, placing Indian developments in an international context. A RedInk Award recipient, she is committed to challenging gender biases in sports media and creating space for the next generation of female cricket storytellers.

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