India have made a bold selection call ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, leaving out Shubman Gill from their 15-member squad despite his leadership roles in other formats. The defending champions confirmed Suryakumar Yadav as captain, with Axar Patel named vice-captain for the tournament to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The omission of Gill is the headline decision from the selection meeting chaired by Ajit Agarkar, as India appear to have prioritised specialist T20 performers while defending their title on home soil.
Kishan, Rinku Make Comebacks; Jitesh Misses Out
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has earned a recall to the T20 setup following a prolific domestic season, including a standout run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His return has allowed the selectors to accommodate Rinku Singh, who makes a comeback after missing recent T20I squads.
The reshuffle, however, means Jitesh Sharma, India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in recent T20 series, has been left out of the World Cup squad.
Axar Elevated, Gill Dropped After Late Tactical Shift
In Gill’s absence, Axar Patel has been promoted to vice-captain, underlining the team management’s trust in his consistency and all-round value in T20 cricket.
Explaining the decision, selectors indicated a preference for a wicketkeeper-batsman at the top of the order. Gill’s T20 form has been under scrutiny, with no half-centuries in his last 15 innings as an opener. He also missed the final T20I against South Africa due to a foot injury.
Squad Balance: Pace, Spin and Power
India’s pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Harshit Rana included as an additional fast-bowling option. Spin remains a major strength, featuring Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy as frontline wrist spinners, supported by all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.
The batting core revolves around captain Suryakumar Yadav, with Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh providing depth, flexibility, and finishing firepower. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan complete the squad.
India Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar
Title Defence Begins at Home
India will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the United States on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The marquee clash against Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, while the final will be played on March 8.
With a blend of proven match-winners and in-form T20 specialists, India will enter the tournament as one of the strongest contenders to defend their crown and chase a historic third T20 World Cup title.
