The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with a mix of established performers and recent standouts forming the core of the side. The selection throws up two immediate talking points — the omission of Shubman Gill and the return of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan.
Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain for the tournament, underlining the team management’s continued faith in his leadership in the shortest format. Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain, reflecting his growing importance as a multi-dimensional all-rounder in T20 cricket.
The squad features a strong pace and spin attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy, while Kuldeep Yadav adds wrist-spin variety. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide power and balance in the middle order, with Washington Sundar offering additional all-round depth.
Ishan Kishan’s recall strengthens India’s wicketkeeping options alongside Sanju Samson, while the inclusion of Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma highlights the selectors’ intent to back aggressive, impact-driven batters.
Shubman Gill’s absence is the most notable exclusion and is likely to spark debate, given his performances across formats in recent seasons. However, the selectors appear to have prioritised specialist T20 roles and flexibility over reputation as India build a side tailored specifically for global conditions.
India will head into the 2026 edition aiming to reclaim T20 supremacy, banking on a blend of experience, explosiveness and tactical depth as they prepare for another high-stakes World Cup campaign.
India’s squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Axar Patel (Vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (WK).