MUMBAI: In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. While Suryakumar Yadav has been retained as captain, the headline act of the selection meeting is the omission of star opener Shubman Gill, who has been dropped entirely from the setup.
All-rounder Axar Patel has been elevated to the role of vice-captain, signaling a shift in the team’s leadership group ahead of the marquee tournament, which kicks off in February on home soil.
The “Gill” Bombshell
The exclusion of Shubman Gill, previously seen as the heir apparent to the captaincy, marks a significant departure in strategy for the selectors. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, addressing the press in Mumbai, cited “team balance and recent form” as the primary drivers behind the decision. Gill’s recent struggles in the shortest format, combined with the explosive rise of other top-order options, seemingly forced the management’s hand.
Kishan Returns, Rinku Retained
Replacing Gill in the squad is wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, whose recent domestic form has demanded a recall. He joins Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeping option. The squad also sees a strong vote of confidence for Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube, ensuring India maintains its deep batting order with multiple power-hitting options.
The bowling unit will be spearheaded by the pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, supported by left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh and the promising Harshit Rana. The spin department looks formidable with the mystery of Varun Chakravarthy paired alongside Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and vice-captain Axar Patel.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-Captain: Axar Patel
- Batters: Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh
- Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan
- All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana
Key Talking Points
- The Vice-Captaincy Shift: Axar Patel’s promotion to vice-captain is a reward for his consistent “crisis man” performances over the last two years. It also suggests the management is looking for stability and experience in its leadership core.
- Top Order Aggression: With Abhishek Sharma likely to partner with either Samson or Kishan at the top, India is clearly doubling down on their ultra-aggressive batting template.
- Spin Heavy Approach: With four frontline spin options (including all-rounders), India has tailored its squad for the sub-continental conditions of the co-host nations, India and Sri Lanka.
The Road Ahead
This same 15-member unit will also feature in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, serving as the final dress rehearsal before the World Cup.
India will begin their World Cup campaign on February 7, 2026, against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With the squad now official, the focus shifts from selection debates to on-field execution as the Men in Blue aim to defend their title at home.
