Mumbai: India has announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The BCCI’s announcement on Saturday has sparked a lot of discussion – Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in his first ICC tournament as captain and Axar Patel will be appointed as his deputy.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the focus this time was on “finding the right combinations” as the defending champions and co-hosts look to retain the title when the tournament begins on February 7. India, who won the trophy in 2024, will be aiming for an unprecedented third T20 World Cup title.
Agarkar explained that each selection call was carefully considered, especially given the balance between youth and experience. “Right now you’re looking at combinations,” he said. “If your goalkeeper (Sanju Samson) wants to beat at the top, we thought to have another goalkeeper (Ishan Kishan) just in case. Two goalkeepers at the top, that’s the way we want to try. Rinku gives us depth further down the order. It’s all about combinations…unfortunately it’s Gill at this point.”
Abhishek-Samson opens, Kishan is called back
India’s batting will get a new look at the top. Explosive left-hander Abhishek Sharma, known for his strike rate of 188.02, is expected to open with Sanju Samson, who has been a consistent performer since the 2024 World Cup with an average of nearly 33 and a strike rate close to 160.
Ishan Kishan returns to the squad after almost two years and is rewarded for his rapid performance in domestic cricket. The Jharkhand captain led his side to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title earlier this season, scoring 517 runs in 10 matches at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of close to 200. He comes into the game as a backup opener and wicketkeeper.
Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma are out
The biggest talking point remains the exclusion of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma. Gill, who was named T20I vice-captain earlier this year, has failed to cement his place after scoring just 291 runs at an average of 24.25 since his return in September.
Agarkar sympathized with the players who missed out but reiterated the importance of balance in the team. “Jitesh hadn’t done too much wrong. We know what a quality player he is – maybe he’s out of runs at the moment. It’s the combination more than anything.”
Strong middle class and balanced attack
Suryakumar will lead a powerful middle order that includes Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube.
Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack supported by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Pandya while Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Varun Chakaravarthy bolster the spin department.
With a balanced squad that combines flair, form and flexibility, India look well-equipped to defend their title on home soil. For the fans, the excitement begins now – and for Agarkar’s team, the mission is clear: find the right combination to bring home their third world title.
India’s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup announced: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (WK).
