BCCI names India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, dropping Shubman Gill and recalling Ishan Kishan after strong domestic form, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side
The Board of Control for Cricket in India on saturday announced India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Suryakumar Yadav will continue as captain, with Axar Patel named vice-captain.
The biggest talking point from the selection meeting was the omission of Shubman Gill, following an extended dip in T20I form. In 2025, Gill managed 291 runs in 15 matches at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, without registering a single half-century. Notably, he went 18 consecutive T20I innings without crossing fifty.
While the move reflects performance-based selection, it has still surprised many given Gill’s stature as a multi-format regular and his recent leadership responsibilities. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, however, underlined the need for role clarity and team balance, particularly at the top of the order.
In contrast, Ishan Kishan has earned a recall after more than two years out of the T20I setup. The left-hander forced his way back with an exceptional Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.
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Kishan amassed 517 runs in 10 matches at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of 197.32, including a century in the final that guided Jharkhand to their maiden title. As a result, selectors have backed his aggressive intent and wicketkeeping versatility ahead of Jitesh Sharma, who misses out.
Balanced Squad for Subcontinental Conditions
Rinku Singh has returned to the playing XI, while the bowling unit offers a balanced mix of pace and spin suited to home conditions. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack alongside Harshit Rana, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy handling the spin duties.
India”s squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-Captain: Axar Patel
Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar
Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana
The same squad will feature in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21, 2026, serving as India’s final tune-up before the World Cup.
Overall, the selection reflects a sharp shift toward current form, role specificity, and impact-driven choices. While Gill’s exclusion has sparked debate, Kishan’s return underlines the selectors’ willingness to reward domestic performances.
Prateeksha Kumari is a journalist and strategic communications professional specialising in digital journalism, political reporting, and public affairs. Her work focuses on grassroots issues, governance, and civic developments, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and narrative-driven reporting.
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