India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup has been announced, with Suryakumar Yadav appointed captain and Axar Patel named vice-captain. The marquee tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, runs from February 7 to March 8. Ahead of the World Cup, India will play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand from January 21 to 31 to fine-tune their combinations.

The announcement came after a meeting of the BCCI Senior Men’s Selection Committee in Mumbai, followed by a press conference where secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and selection committee chairperson Ajit Agarkar addressed the media. The panel confirmed that no standby players would be named for either the World Cup or the New Zealand series.

Shubman Gill’s Form Costs Him

The most surprising development is the exclusion of Shubman Gill, who had served as India’s T20 vice-captain. Recent struggles with the bat have seen him score just 291 runs in 15 matches at an average of 24.25, without registering a fifty. A foot injury also ruled him out of the last two T20Is against South Africa, where he scored just 32 runs across three games.

Agarkar explained the decision, saying, “Shubman Gill is short of runs at the moment and missed the last WC too.” He clarified that the omission wasn’t about Gill’s talent but about team balance: “Someone has to miss out, it’s not because he’s not a good player, and fortunately in Indian cricket we have options.” Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise, stating, “The omission of Shubman Gill is a surprise. Class act, quality batter. I hope Shubman takes it in the right spirit.”

Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh Make a Comeback

Ishan Kishan earned a recall after shining in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 517 runs at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of 197.32. His standout innings came in the final, where he scored 101 off 49 balls to help Jharkhand clinch the title.

Rinku Singh also returns to the squad, having impressed with 172 runs in seven matches at an average of 24.57, including a top score of 65. Singh, who had been a reserve in 2024, is now expected to serve as India’s finishing option in home conditions.

Abhishek Sharma Set for World Cup Debut

Another highlight of the squad is left-handed batter Abhishek Sharma, who will make his maiden World Cup appearance. Known for his clean striking ability, Abhishek recently became the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 T20I runs in terms of balls faced, surpassing Suryakumar Yadav. He also led India’s run-scoring in the Asia Cup with 314 runs at a strike rate of 200.

Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the top-order batting setup: “We’ve fixed number 3 for Tilak, 4 for myself, and then whoever is comfortable. We want to fix that role for Tilak so he knows his role and is happy in that position.”

Bowling Attack and All-Round Balance

India’s pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Harshit Rana providing support. Spin options include Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, while all-rounders Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube complete the squad’s balance. Bumrah, the previous World Cup Player of the Series, will be expected to spearhead the bowling attack on home soil.

India’s Road Ahead

India will open their World Cup campaign against the United States on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium, followed by fixtures against Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Having remained unbeaten in bilateral T20I series since August 2023, India entered the tournament as firm favorites.

Full Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 & New Zealand T20Is:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana