Team India announced the team they are looking forward to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026and comes with several headline decisions. The biggest talking point from the selection meeting is his exclusion Shubman Gillwhile the vice-captain in the shortest format Akhar Patel was promoted to the position of deputy. The team made an official presentation at the press conference Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) the secretary Devajit SaikiaIndian captain Suryakumar Yadavand chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Shubman Gill dropped and Axar Patel deputized Suryakumar Yadav
Gill’s absence from the 15-man squad has raised eyebrows, especially given his leadership role in the recent T20I series. However, Agarkar clarified that the decision was made on the basis of team balance and current combinations rather than past roles.
“Shubman was the vice-captain, he is not in the team. When the T20s clashed, Akhar was the vice-captain” Agarkar emphasized that the selectors prefer flexibility and comprehensive options going into the global tournament.
Axar’s promotion reflects India’s continued focus on multi-talented players who can impact games at various stages, especially in the varied conditions expected during the World Cup.
Ishan Kishan is recalled after his SMAT heroics
One of the most positive stories from the selection is the comeback Ishan Kishi. Left-handed sensation Syed Mushtaq was forced to return to the national team after the Ali Trophy campaign. Kishan ended the tournament as the top run-scorer and crowned him with a match-winning century in the final, leading Jharkhand to a memorable triumph.
His recent form and ability to dominate the power play have made him an irresistible choice for the selectors, especially with India looking for explosive starts at the top.
Rinku Singh returns as a finisher in big tournament plans
Another notable inclusion is Rinku Singhhas found himself in the T20I side over the past year. Despite his limited abilities, Rinku’s reputation as a quiet and devastating finisher worked to his advantage.
“Combinations more than anything else, two keepers are up there. Rinku comes in giving a lower mid-range option,” Agarkar explained, stressing the need for depth and flexibility in moments of crisis.
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Possible combinations and leadership basis
Miss Gill, Sanju Samson He is expected to continue as a wicketkeeper-batsman and can open alongside Abhishek Sharma. The team also includes experienced campaigners jasprit bumrah and Hardik Pandyaalong with a strong spin contingent led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakraborty.
As India wrap up their plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the message from the selectors is clear: current form, adaptability and role clarity will trump reputation as the Men in Blue chase another global title.
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel (vc), Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku
