Team India is entering a decisive phase of its build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) set to take a crucial call on the national squad in the coming days.
India are currently locked in a five-match T20I series against South Africa, with the final and series-deciding encounter scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue hold a 2-1 lead and will be keen to seal the series before shifting focus entirely to World Cup preparations.
Following the South Africa series, India will host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20I series. Both the South Africa and New Zealand T20I assignments form a key part of India’s roadmap towards the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7, 2026.
India will enter the tournament as defending champions, having lifted the title in 2024 under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
When will Team India squad selection for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The Team India squad selection for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place on Saturday, December 20. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to finalise both the World Cup squad and the team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand on the same day.
Where will Team India squad selection for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The selection meeting will be held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, at the Cricket Centre building near the Wankhede Stadium.
What time will Team India squad selection for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The selection meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST. Following the meeting, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav are expected to address the media and officially announce the squad.
How can I watch Team India squad selection for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 announcement LIVE on TV in India?
The Team India squad announcement will be telecast LIVE on the Star Sports Network across India.
How can I watch live streaming of Team India squad selection for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 announcement in India?
Fans can watch the live streaming of the squad announcement on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
Key talking points ahead of the announcement
While Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy appears set despite his lean run with the bat in recent T20Is, questions remain around Shubman Gill’s form and fitness, especially after a toe injury ruled him out of the fifth T20I against South Africa.
The selection committee is also expected to deliberate over the wicketkeeper options, with Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma in contention, while Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul remain outside the immediate frame.
India’s spin department is likely to be led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, while the pace attack is expected to revolve around Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. All-round options such as Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube are also expected to play a vital role, especially with conditions in India and Sri Lanka likely to favour versatility.
India’s schedule in ICC T20 World Cup 2026 (Group Stage)
- India vs USA – February 7, Mumbai
- India vs Namibia – February 12, Delhi
- India vs Pakistan – February 15, Colombo
- India vs Netherlands – February 18, Ahmedabad
With the home World Cup fast approaching, Saturday’s selection meeting could offer the clearest indication yet of India’s plans to defend their T20 crown on familiar turf.
