Mumbai:Defending champions and tournament co-hosts India have officially unveiled their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which gets underway on February 7. Entering the global event with confidence and expectation, the hosts are targeting an unprecedented third T20 World Cup crown, further strengthening their dominance in the shortest format.
This campaign will mark a significant leadership milestone, with Suryakumar Yadav set to captain India in his maiden ICC tournament. All-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain. One of the major talking points from the selection was the exclusion of star batter Shubman Gill, who struggled for consistency after returning to the T20I side earlier this year.
India T20 World Cup 2026 squad: New Leadership and Selection Calls
The selection committee’s announcement immediately drew attention due to Gill’s omission, especially after his recent role as T20I vice-captain during the Asia Cup. Since his comeback in September, Gill managed only 291 runs at an average of 24.25, prompting selectors to look elsewhere for stability and balance.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who featured in the recent T20I series against South Africa, also failed to make the final cut. According to the selectors, current form and tactical combinations played a decisive role in shaping the final 15.
Top Order Plans and the Return of Ishan Kishan
Explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 188.02 in T20 cricket, is expected to spearhead the batting at the top of the order. He is likely to be partnered by Sanju Samson, who has shown impressive consistency since the 2024 T20 World Cup, averaging 32.90 with a strike rate nearing 160.
A notable comeback story is that of Ishan Kishan, who returns to the national T20 setup after last featuring in 2023. Kishan earned his recall following a sensational Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, where he captained Jharkhand to the title. He finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 517 runs in 10 matches, averaging 57.44 and striking at an astonishing 197.32, while also serving as a backup opener and wicketkeeper.
India T20 World Cup 2026 squad: Middle-Order Strength and Bowling Firepower
India’s middle order appears well-stocked with experience and versatility. Captain Suryakumar Yadav will be supported by the returning Rinku Singh, alongside Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube. This combination offers depth, power-hitting, and all-round flexibility.
On the bowling front, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will lead the attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Hardik Pandya. The spin department will be anchored by Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakaravarthy, giving India a potent mix across conditions.
Squad T20: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Rinku Singh,Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar underlined that team balance and match-day flexibility were central to the decision-making process. With Samson expected to open and keep wickets, the inclusion of Kishan as an additional wicketkeeper was seen as a strategic safeguard. The selectors also highlighted the importance of batting depth, particularly with players like Rinku Singh offering finishing power lower down the order.
As India prepare to defend their crown on home soil, the final squad reflects a blend of form, versatility, and tactical planning setting the stage for a highly anticipated T20 World Cup campaign.
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