India have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with all-rounder Axar Patel appointed as the team’s new vice-captain. The selection, however, came with a major surprise as star batter Shubman Gill was left out following a lean run of form.
Gill, who served as vice-captain during the Asia Cup 2025, failed to make the cut as selectors opted for a different team combination. In his absence, Sanju Samson is likely to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Ishan Kishan has earned a recall after an outstanding domestic season.
Kishan’s return comes on the back of a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, where he played a key role in guiding Jharkhand to the title. His explosive batting at the top of the order and ability to keep wickets strengthened his case for selection. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, meanwhile, missed out as the team opted for added flexibility.
Selectors Explain Gill’s Omission
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the decision was driven purely by team balance and combinations.
“We are looking at combinations. Gill is a quality player and it’s unfortunate for him to miss out, but the current setup required another wicketkeeper. Ishan bats at the top, is in good form and has played for India before,” Agarkar said.
He further added that Samson and Kishan provide the team with solid top-order options, making Kishan the preferred backup wicketkeeper at this stage.
World Cup Schedule and India’s Group
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. A total of 40 group-stage matches will be played until February 20, after which the top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage beginning February 21.
India have been placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. The Men in Blue will be chasing multiple historic milestones — a third T20 World Cup title, their first World Cup triumph on home soil, and a successful title defence.
India will begin their campaign against USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 7, followed by clashes against Namibia (February 12, New Delhi), Pakistan (February 15, Colombo), and Netherlands (February 18, Ahmedabad).
Before the World Cup, India will play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting January 21 in Nagpur.
India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
- Rinku Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Washington Sundar
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
