New Delhi: In a decision that has surprised fans and experts alike, Shubman Gill has been excluded from India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite being one of the country’s most prominent all-format batters. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced the 15-member Indian squad for the marquee tournament, which India will co-host alongside Sri Lanka.
Suryakumar Yadav has been retained as India’s T20 captain, while Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, stepping into the leadership role usually held by Gill in the shortest format. Gill, who currently leads India in ODI and Test cricket and has often served as Suryakumar’s deputy in T20Is, has reportedly been dealing with recent fitness concerns, which may have influenced the selectors’ decision.
Opening Combination: Samson vs Kishan
With Gill missing out, the spotlight shifts to the opening slot. Sanju Samson, who had earlier lost his place at the top of the order to Gill, has been included in the squad and could partner Abhishek Sharma at the top. However, Samson faces stiff competition from Ishan Kishan, who has made a strong comeback to the national setup after nearly two years.
Kishan last played for India in 2023 but earned a recall following a prolific domestic season. He emerged as the top run-scorer in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, playing a key role in Jharkhand’s maiden SMAT title win. Like Samson, Kishan is a wicketkeeper-batter and specialist opener, giving the team management multiple options.
Middle Order and All-Round Strength
The squad features the in-form Tilak Varma, who has been consistent in the T20 format, along with experienced all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, providing depth in both batting and bowling.
Rinku Singh, known for his finishing prowess, has also been retained, strengthening India’s lower-middle order in crunch situations.
Bowling Attack Packed with Firepower
India’s bowling unit looks formidable, led by pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. He is supported by Arshdeep Singh and emerging fast bowler Harshit Rana. In the spin department, India boasts quality and variety with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, the latter currently ranked as the world No. 1 T20 bowler.
Tournament Details and India’s Group
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be the 10th edition of the tournament and will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five each. India, the defending champions, are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, the Netherlands and Namibia.
India will begin their campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The final is slated for March 8, with Ahmedabad set to host the title match. However, if Pakistan qualify for the final, it will be shifted to Colombo.
India’s T20 World Cup Legacy
India are two-time winners of the Men’s T20 World Cup. They lifted the inaugural title in 2007 under MS Dhoni in South Africa and reclaimed the trophy in 2024 under Rohit Sharma.
India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar
