The India T20 World Cup 2026 squad has been officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and it has triggered widespread debate among fans and experts alike. In a decision that few anticipated, Shubman Gill has been left out of the 15-member squad, while Ishan Kishan has made a return to the national setup after nearly two years.
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India enter the tournament as defending champions and one of the most dominant teams in world cricket’s shortest format. Co-hosting the event along with Sri Lanka further strengthens India’s position as outright favourites for the 10th edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup.
BCCI’s squad announcement creates headlines
The squad announcement was nothing short of a bombshell. While most of the core group was expected to retain their places, the absence of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma stood out immediately. Gill, who currently leads India in Tests and ODIs, was widely considered a certainty due to his technical ability and leadership experience.
However, the selectors appear to have prioritized current fitness levels and recent T20-specific performances over reputation. This approach reflects a more result-oriented and format-focused selection policy by the BCCI.
Suryakumar Yadav continues as captain, Axar Patel named deputy
Suryakumar Yadav has been retained as India’s T20 captain, reaffirming the team management’s faith in his leadership. Under his captaincy, India have played an aggressive brand of cricket, remaining unbeaten in bilateral series and tournaments since August 2023.
Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, marking a significant milestone in his career. His consistency with both bat and ball, especially in pressure situations, has made him a key pillar of the team. This leadership duo offers stability while maintaining flexibility in team strategy.
Why Shubman Gill misses out on India T20 World Cup 2026 squad
One of the biggest talking points of the India T20 World Cup 2026 squad is the exclusion of Shubman Gill. Despite being India’s all-format star, Gill has struggled with fitness concerns in recent months, which likely influenced the selectors’ decision.
Additionally, Gill’s T20 strike-rate and role clarity have been under scrutiny, especially when compared to specialist T20 openers. With limited room for experimentation at a World Cup, the management opted for players offering immediate impact in the shortest format.
This decision underlines a clear message: no player is guaranteed selection without meeting the specific demands of T20 cricket.
Ishan Kishan’s comeback after stellar SMAT performance
Ishan Kishan’s return is one of the most positive stories from the squad announcement. The wicketkeeper-batter forced his way back into contention through outstanding domestic performances, particularly in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Kishan finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer and played a pivotal role in leading Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title. His explosive batting at the top of the order gives India a strong powerplay option, something crucial in modern T20 cricket.
Sanju Samson remains in contention as opener
Sanju Samson, who had earlier lost his opening spot to Shubman Gill, has retained his place in the squad. His ability to play fearless cricket and accelerate quickly makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure matches.
With both Samson and Kishan in the squad, India now has multiple combinations available for the opening slot. This flexibility allows the team management to tailor the playing XI based on opposition and pitch conditions.
Middle-order strength defines India’s batting depth
The batting core of the India T20 World Cup 2026 squad looks formidable. Tilak Varma continues his rise as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters, showing composure and adaptability against both spin and pace.
Hardik Pandya remains a vital cog, contributing as a finisher and seam-bowling all-rounder. Shivam Dube’s power-hitting ability against spin adds another dimension to India’s batting strategy, particularly on slower pitches in Sri Lanka.
Rinku Singh’s presence ensures India have a proven finisher capable of turning games around in the final overs.
All-rounders provide balance and flexibility
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar give India excellent balance. Both can bowl economically in the middle overs and contribute valuable runs lower down the order.
This depth allows India to play an extra bowler or batter depending on match conditions, a luxury few teams possess in T20 cricket.
Bowling attack among the strongest in the tournament
India’s bowling unit is arguably the most complete in the competition. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack with his unmatched control in the death overs.
Arshdeep Singh offers left-arm variation, while Harshit Rana adds raw pace and bounce. In the spin department, Varun Chakravarthy, currently the world No. 1 T20 bowler, partners with Kuldeep Yadav to provide wicket-taking options in the middle overs.
This bowling combination equips India to defend totals and restrict opposition line-ups effectively.
Group A details and key fixtures
India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia. The team will begin their campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7.
The marquee India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a fixture expected to draw global attention and massive viewership.
Consistent performances in the group stage will be crucial, as only top teams progress to the knockout rounds.
Tournament format and hosting advantage
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams divided into four groups of five. India and Sri Lanka will co-host the tournament, giving Indian players familiarity with subcontinent conditions.
The final is scheduled for March 8, with Ahmedabad set to host unless Pakistan qualify, in which case Colombo will stage the title clash.
India’s T20 World Cup legacy and expectations
India are two-time T20 World Cup champions, having won the inaugural edition in 2007 under MS Dhoni and reclaiming the title in 2024 under Rohit Sharma. As defending champions, expectations are naturally high.
The India T20 World Cup 2026 squad reflects a modern, fearless approach to T20 cricket—emphasizing depth, versatility, and current form over reputation.
India T20 World Cup 2026 squad – full list
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Suryakumar Yadav |
| Vice-Captain | Axar Patel |
| Batters | Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh |
| All-rounders | Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar |
| Wicketkeepers | Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan |
| Bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana |
Conclusion
The India T20 World Cup 2026 squad selection makes one thing clear: form, fitness, and T20-specific skills matter more than past reputation. While Shubman Gill’s omission will continue to spark debate, the inclusion of in-form players like Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma strengthens India’s title defense.
With a balanced squad, experienced leadership, and home advantage, India will enter the tournament as one of the strongest contenders to lift the trophy once again.
