India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad will be officially revealed on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav holding a press conference at 1:30 PM IST. Fans will get a first look at the 15-member squad expected to play in the mega event, which begins on February 7, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The announcement comes just after India concludes the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, and the spotlight will be on key players like Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan. Questions around the vice-captain’s form, wicketkeeper slots, and possible back-up options promise to make this press conference an unmissable event for cricket fans.
Stay tuned to this page for live updates as the squad is revealed and follow every major decision, player reaction, and expert analysis in real-time.
India T20I Squad Announcement for T20 World Cup 2026 – Live Updates
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced
Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan returns, Axar Patel named vice-captain
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma
02:41 PM IST – Shubman Gill Dropped, Ishan Kishan Included
Major selection call – Gill omitted from 15-member squad
Shubman Gill was omitted from India’s 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup in Mumbai on Saturday. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team which will be deputised by Axar Patel, who missed the last two T20Is against South Africa.
Sanju Samson, who played in the final T20I against South Africa, was picked as one of two wicketkeepers along with the returning Ishan Kishan, who powered Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy recently. With Gill dropped, Samson could return to the top of the order to open with Abhishek Sharma.
02:30 PM IST – No Standbys Named
World Cup at home – no standby players announced
There are no standbys as the World Cup is played at home.
02:27 PM IST – SKY on His Lack of Runs
“Yeh waala patch thoda lamba ho gaya”
Suryakumar Yadav acknowledges his extended poor patch with the bat.
02:23 PM IST – SKY Explains Extra Keeper Selection
“We wanted to have a keeper at the top”
“We wanted to have a keeper at the top, that is why we have got the extra keeper,” said Suryakumar Yadav explaining Ishan Kishan’s inclusion.
02:22 PM IST – SKY on Squad Flexibility
Multiple combinations possible
“The squad that we have picked, we can play 2-3 combinations from them,” said Suryakumar Yadav.
02:22 PM IST – Agarkar Backs Suryakumar Yadav
Chief selector shows faith in captain despite poor form
“For a while he (SKY) was the no.1 T20 batter in the world. We have full faith in the 15 that we have picked,” said Ajit Agarkar.
02:18 PM IST – Suryakumar Yadav on Leading at Home World Cup
“Good challenge for me to lead at a home World Cup”
“Good responsibility for me. Good challenge for me to lead at a home World Cup,” said Suryakumar Yadav.
Meeting On – Suryakumar Yadav Arrives
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia chairing the meet
The meeting has started. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is chairing the meet with Suryakumar Yadav and the five selectors. Announcement coming soon.
12:54 PM IST – Srikkanth on India’s Asia Cup Squad
Former India captain questions recent selections
“They have gone backwards. Axar Patel has been axed from vice-captaincy. I don’t know how Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana have come in. IPL is considered the main criterion for selection, but the selectors seem to have considered performances before that.”
Srikkanth also questioned the Indian batting order: “Who will bat at No. 5? Five has to be either Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma or Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh. Hardik Pandya usually bats at No. 5, so now, Axar Patel cannot bat at six. I can’t understand how they picked Dube. Yashasvi Jaiswal have performed in international cricket and IPL as well. What does he do?”
12:35 PM IST – Srikkanth’s Warning on T20 World Cup Chances
“No chance of winning T20 World Cup with this bunch”
“We might win the Asia Cup with this team, but there is no chance of winning the T20 World Cup with this bunch. Are you going to take this team to the World Cup? Is this the preparation for the T20 World Cup, which is hardly six months away?” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
12:09 PM IST – India Squad vs South Africa Series
15-member squad that dominated South Africa
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar.
11:50 AM IST – The Power of Hardik Pandya
India’s T20 winning machine struts with world champion aura
The most remarkable aspect of India, the T20 winning machine, is that they are not flawless, but they do not let flaws burden them. They strut with the aura of world champions, and one capable of defending the title next year. There were times in the decider against South Africa when India were put under pressure, but they did not panic or surrender.
11:30 AM IST – India’s Bowling Attack Breakdown
Balanced attack with pace and spin options
Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana being the designated frontline pacers. In the spin department, there is Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav to go with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. The batting line-up comprises Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube alongside Pandya and the two wicketkeepers.
11:17 AM IST – The Rinku Singh Conundrum
Why Washington Sundar got the nod over Rinku
The middle-order batsman has been part of the T20 squad in recent months, but with India preferring multi-dimensional players he missed out to Washington Sundar. With Hardik Pandya around to play the finisher’s role and Jitesh Sharma also in the mix, the selectors could see Rinku as surplus to requirements.
Washington provides all-round option. With the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, if pitches slow down, Washington will provide much-needed balance and against teams loaded with left-handed batsmen, will offer favourable match-ups. He can also bowl in the powerplay, which India prefer from their spinners.
11:02 AM IST – Varun Chakaravarthy After Winning POTS vs SA
Mystery spinner dedicates award to family
“It was a high-intensity match and probably the best game of the series. That’s the role assigned to me; my first option is always to look for wickets. So whenever I get the ball, my mindset is to attack and look to make an impact.”
“I try to bring something new every series. If it works, great; if not, I go back, work on it and come back stronger. That’s how I keep improving. I would like to dedicate this to my mom, dad, and sister.”
10:47 AM IST – Suryakumar Yadav After Series Win vs South Africa
“Surya the batter went missing but he’ll be back stronger”
“From the start of the series, we wanted to stick to a particular brand of cricket and we did exactly that. This is something we felt was missing in our last few series – that relentless intent, and today it worked beautifully.”
“We did almost everything we wanted to. Maybe the only thing we couldn’t quite manage was finding ‘Surya the batter’ I think he went missing somewhere! (smiles) But he’ll be back stronger. As a team, I’m really happy. Whenever we were in trouble, someone always put their hand up and pulled us through.”
10:27 AM IST – Hardik Pandya’s Beast Mode in Ahmedabad
63 off 25 balls – Hardik unleashes his batting prowess
After completing his half-century in merely 16 balls with a flat six over mid-wicket, Hardik Pandya soaked in the moment. He raised his bat to every corner of the vast stadium, flicked a thumbs up to his teammates in the dug-out and waved at his friends in the VIP Box.
Seldom has he looked as carefree as he has in this series. It’s as though someone has told him just to unlock the inner batting beast in him, to bat without pressure and worry. His 63 off 25 balls powered India to 231 for 5.
10:11 AM IST – Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson Debate
Pedigree over production – Why Gill will prevail
As the selection committee meets today, the debate over Shubman Gill has reached a fever pitch. Despite 15 matches without a half-century and a strike rate (~137) that lags behind modern benchmarks, Gill’s status as vice-captain and “next-in-line” for all-format leadership makes him the quintessential example of the “long rope” theory.
While explosive performers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson have stronger statistical claims to the opening slot, selectors are expected to lean on “pedigree over production,” betting that Gill’s technical class will stabilise India’s title defence.
09:58 AM IST – Gill vs Ishan Kishan Conundrum
Gill unlikely to miss second successive T20 World Cup
Gill not ending up in the squad for a second successive T20 World Cup looks unlikely at this stage. However, with Yashasvi Jaiswal struggling with fitness issues, should the selectors prefer another back-up option then Ishan could come into the picture. But that would mean India have three wicketkeepers in the squad.
With Samson ahead in the pecking order even if India want to look beyond Gill, the chances are slim for Ishan to make the cut. He may have an outside chance when it comes to making the reserves list.
02:00 IST – India’s T20I Record in 2025
India played 22 T20Is in 2025 and had a remarkable year
India won 16 games and lost just three matches, while three games had no result. Following the overwhelming success of 2024, India continued their dominance.
00:24 IST – India’s Stunning T20I Record
India have won every bilateral series since the T20 World Cup
The Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir pair have won every series they have played. India will be red-hot favourites to win the title.
23:48 IST – Suryakumar Yadav On His Poor Form
“Maybe the only thing we couldn’t quite manage was finding Surya the batter”
“I think he went missing somewhere! (smiles) But he’ll be back stronger. As a team, I’m really happy. Whenever we were in trouble, someone always put their hand up and pulled us through. As captain, that’s very satisfying,” said the Indian captain.
23:05 IST – India Win Final Series Before Selection
Eight consecutive bilateral series win – joint-best for India in T20I history
A win for India in their final series before the squad announcement. However, India still has one more series before the World Cup against New Zealand.
21:52 IST – Stark Contrast Between Opening Pairs
Abhishek-Samson vs Abhishek-Shubman: Numbers tell different stories
Since October 2024:
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson (13 matches): 200+ totals seven times, including four 230+ totals
Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma (15 matches): 200+ just once (202)
20:59 IST – Suryakumar Yadav’s Concerns Remain
Captain’s form a major worry ahead of World Cup
A knock of five for him today. He ends 2025 with just 218 runs in 21 innings at an average of 13.62. Should India make a radical move and replace their captain just days before the mega event?
20:20 IST – Sanju Samson Makes Strong Case
Samson’s 37 off 22 balls strengthens his selection case
Opening the batting for the first time since February, Samson impressed with 37 runs in 22 balls. India scored 67 runs in the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma and Samson put up a 63-run partnership in 35 balls. How can you keep him out of the playing XI?
18:45 IST – BCCI Confirm Suryakumar Yadav as Captain
All speculation over captaincy ends
BCCI have ended any speculation over Suryakumar Yadav’s future as captain for the T20 World Cup. Surya will address the press conference alongside Ajit Agarkar as India’s captain.
18:38 IST – BCCI Give Update on Shubman Gill’s Injury
Gill unavailable for final T20I
Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad.
18:35 IST – Big News from Ahmedabad
Shubman Gill not playing – Sanju Samson gets a chance
Shubman Gill is not playing. Suryakumar Yadav confirms he picked up a niggle. Sanju Samson finally gets a chance to open.
18:15 IST – Suryakumar Yadav’s Last Assignment as T20I Captain
T20 World Cup 2026 to be Surya’s final tournament as captain
The 2026 T20 World Cup is set to be Suryakumar Yadav’s last assignment as captain of the Indian team in T20Is as per a report by the Press Trust of India. The Indian captain has struggled for form and does not have a single half-century since October 2024.
17:15 IST – How Big is the Ahmedabad T20I?
Final audition before squad announcement
Will today’s game have any bearing on the squad announcement or do you think India are set in their way and will not change their plans?
16:30 IST – The Finisher Conundrum
Is India too overdependent on Hardik Pandya?
The big question lies around the finisher role. With Rinku Singh left out of the squad, do India have anyone else who can smash pace in the slog overs? Both Shivam Dube and Axar Patel are known for their ability against spin. Will this force India to look at Rinku again?
16:00 IST – Ajit Agarkar’s Final Announcement
Could be Agarkar’s last squad announcement
Ajit Agarkar’s contract is set to end in early 2026. This could be the final team he announces unless he agrees to sign another extension.
15:09 IST – No ODI Squad Announcement
Only T20I squads to be announced today
The ODI series squad will not be announced as per the notification from the BCCI despite the 50-over series starting on January 11 while the T20I series starts on January 21.
15:03 IST – BCCI’s Official Update
Press conference scheduled for 1:30 PM IST
The BCCI has given an official update. A press conference has been scheduled for 1:30 PM IST. The announcement states that the T20I squad for the New Zealand series and the T20 World Cup squad will be announced.
15:00 IST – India’s Likely Squad for ODI Series vs New Zealand
Expected squad for three ODIs (Jan 11-18)
Likely Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav
14:30 IST – India to Name Squad For New Zealand Series
Squads for both ODI and T20I series to be announced
India will also name their squad for the New Zealand series. Before the five T20Is from Jan 21-31, there are three ODIs from Jan 11 to Jan 18. The squad will be announced for that too with no major changes expected apart from skipper Shubman Gill’s return.
