The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking a new phase for the national side. The selection meeting took place at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, attended by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
With the tournament set to begin on February 7 and jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the squad reflects a clear focus on current form, flexibility, and balanced combinations. One of the most notable decisions was the exclusion of Shubman Gill, while Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain.
Suryakumar Yadav to Lead India in First ICC Tournament
Suryakumar Yadav will captain India in his first-ever ICC event, a major milestone in his international career. Known for his fearless batting approach and tactical awareness, Suryakumar has been a central figure in India’s recent T20 success.
Under his leadership, India recently extended their unbeaten streak in T20I series, registering their 14th consecutive series without defeat after overcoming South Africa in Ahmedabad. The selectors have backed continuity and confidence as key pillars heading into the World Cup.
Why Shubman Gill Missed the Cut
Shubman Gill’s absence from the squad has sparked discussion among fans and experts. Since his return to the T20I setup, Gill has struggled to convert starts into big scores. Across multiple innings, his numbers have not matched the team’s aggressive requirements for the shortest format.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar highlighted that selection decisions were driven more by team balance than individual reputation. With multiple wicketkeeping options and a preference for explosive openers, the management opted for a different combination.
Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma Rewarded for Consistency
Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the standout performers in T20 cricket this year. His aggressive intent at the top of the order, coupled with a remarkable strike rate, has made him a near-automatic choice as an opener.
Tilak Varma has further strengthened his case with reliable performances under pressure. His composure in run chases and ability to anchor the middle order have made him a vital component of India’s batting core.
Middle Order Depth and Bowling Strength
India’s middle order looks well-set with the presence of Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel. This group provides a blend of power-hitting, finishing ability, and all-round depth.
The bowling unit will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana in the pace department. India’s spin options include Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, offering variety across conditions.
India Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batsmen | Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh |
| All-rounders | Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Washington Sundar |
| Wicketkeepers | Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan |
| Bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy |
What Lies Ahead for Team India
India enter the T20 World Cup 2026 with momentum, depth, and clarity in roles. The squad composition reflects a modern T20 mindset, prioritising adaptability, power, and bowling variety.
With a settled leadership group and several players in peak form, India will look to carry their domestic and bilateral success into the global stage and mount a serious challenge for the title.
