BCCI Announces India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Suryakumar Yadav to Lead, Shubman Gill Dropped
Axar Patel named vice-captain as selectors reward form; Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh stage comebacks for title defence on home soil.
Mumbai, December 20, 2025 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today unveiled the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Defending champions India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, will aim to become the first team to retain the T20 World Cup title.
In a significant selection decision, Shubman Gill, the current vice-captain in the T20I setup and India’s Test and ODI skipper, has been omitted from the squad amid concerns over his recent form in the shortest format. All-rounder Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, reflecting the selectors’ emphasis on balance and experience.
The squad rewards consistent performers, with Ishan Kishan’s explosive form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earning him a recall as a wicketkeeper-batter. Rinku Singh also makes a return to the fold after being overlooked in recent series.
India’s Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Vice-Captain: Axar Patel
- Batters: Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh
- Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
The same squad will represent India in the preceding five-match T20I home series against New Zealand, starting January 21, 2026, serving as crucial preparation for the global event.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, addressing the media alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav at the BCCI headquarters, emphasized the need for explosive batting and versatile bowling options suited to home conditions. “We have full faith in this group to deliver. Combinations are ready, and we’ve prioritized players in form,” Agarkar said.
Notable exclusions include Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma, while the core from India’s recent 3-1 series win over South Africa remains intact, bolstered by the returns of Kishan and Singh.
India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia, with their campaign opener against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.
As the Men in Blue gear up to defend their crown on home soil, expectations are high for another triumphant campaign.
