BCCI Unveils India’s 15-Member Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 today, December 22, 2025. In a major strategic shift, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has omitted Shubman Gill from the roster. Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the defending champions, while the versatile all-rounder Axar Patel has been elevated to the role of vice-captain for the marquee tournament, which India will co-host starting February 7, 2026.
The squad marks the high-profile return of Ishan Kishan, who earned his spot following a stellar domestic season where he led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. Kishan joins Sanju Samson as the two primary wicketkeeping options. The selectors emphasized a return to an aggressive opening combination, likely pairing the explosive Abhishek Sharma with either Samson or Kishan at the top of the order.
The middle order remains robust with the inclusion of Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and the experienced Hardik Pandya. All-rounder Shivam Dube also retains his place, providing additional depth and power-hitting capabilities. Washington Sundar rounds out the all-around options, ensuring the team has multiple spin-bowling variations to suit different conditions across the various venues in India and Sri Lanka.
India’s bowling attack will be spearheaded by the world-class Jasprit Bumrah. He will be supported by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and the rising speedster Harshit Rana. The spin department looks formidable with the “Kul-Cha” style pairing of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. Chakaravarthy, currently ranked as the world’s number one T20I bowler, is expected to play a pivotal role in the middle overs.
This same 15-member squad will also represent India in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January 2026. This series will serve as the final dress rehearsal before the World Cup begins. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands, with their opening match scheduled against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Official India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (VC), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.
