In a stunning development that has shocked Indian cricket fans BCCI announced the 15-member team for Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 along with a five-match T20I series against New Zealand is creating a lot of buzz on social media. Suryakumar Yadav keeps his captaincy with Akhar Patel promoted to vice-captain while former vice-captain Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma Shocking exceptions live. The announcement came from the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on 20 December 2025 in the presence of the secretary. Devajit Saikia captain Suryakumar and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
India T20 World Cup 2026 squad composition and key inclusions
India‘s T20 World Cup 2026 squad combines explosive batting all-round depth and powerful bowling. Abhishek Sharma (last attacker) Suryakumar, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and reminded Ishan Kishi which returns after strong domestic showings. Comprehensive Hardik Pandya (blitzed 25 off 63 in last T20I) Akhar, Shivam Dubey and Washington Sundar ensure balance. Boasts of bowling pace jasprit bumrah along with Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana plus spinners Varun Chakraborty and Kuldeep Yadav A variety of offerings on expected spin-friendly pitches
This same squad is preparing ahead of the World Cup starting on February 7, when India defend their 2024 title through the New Zealand T20Is from January 21-31, 2026. South Africa. Three ODIs from January 11 to 18, the same squad is not expected
Shubman Gill’s ouster sparks outrage among fans
Gill’s absence from the South Africa T20Is, despite previously being vice-captain, sparked outrage among fans with #JusticeForGill trending nationwide. Chief selector Agarkar cited Gill’s T20I form – 291 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 24.25 not out at 137.26 fifty – recently suffered a leg injury.
It went viral on social media when fans gave a mixed reaction to the BCCI’s call. Jitesh also missed as Kishan and Rinku preferred the finishing feat. Agarkar emphasized the balance of the squad, which favors current impact over potential. Gill’s IPL success has struggled with T20Is, leading to arguments about his aggressive evolution needed for T20s.
As India eye back-to-back titles under Suryakumar, this bold call tests selection gambles but highlights the ruthless T20 meritocracy. Fans are waiting for Gill’s response in IPL 2026.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
You have to feel for Shubman Gill 😭 pic.twitter.com/aSY94KGmOh
— Man Monster (@manmonster128) December 20, 2025
Shubman Gill missing from India’s 15-man T20 World Cup squad? 😲#T20WorldCup2026pic.twitter.com/LrGi4Jdrtf
— Perez Messi (Fan Account) (@kedingaperez) December 20, 2025
SHUBMAN GILL IS OUT FOR INDIA’S T20 WORLD CUP SUMMER.#T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/dWvYQVcSTV
— sports news (@sports141625) December 20, 2025
Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar are so unpredictable that they dropped Shubman Gill from the squad. pic.twitter.com/zUtb0P6rFF
— Swapnil (@mycatoons) December 20, 2025
Gautam Gambhir drops Shubman Gill from T20 WC 2026 squad pic.twitter.com/RgngUYiOUA
— RAM (@Ind_RAM_) December 20, 2025
Justice for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill 😭#T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/reBcwEkCPf
— 🅰️ J (@EHuman0) December 20, 2025
No Shubman Gill? Currently fans pic.twitter.com/0C0sIqxw1R
— Voice of Teachers (@special_cwsn) December 20, 2025
Shubman Gill is not fit for the team #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/mgfI498sP5
— Shubham Yadav (@yadav_shubham12) December 20, 2025
Shubman Gill has been dropped from India’s T20 World Cup squad #işan #T20WorldCup2026 #rinkusingh#T20WorldCup #ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/9LiMN4ucR5
— Shubham Mishra⛳🇮🇳🔱 (@ACHINTYA__666) December 20, 2025
Only I got out without running to anyone else. pic.twitter.com/pmeMFi44xm
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 20, 2025
It’s ridiculous that people who have never handled a tennis ball think they are Shubman Gill experts.
One bad stage and the keyboards are out.
Talent remains. The noise is reduced. 💥
Screenshots of this – it will leave you all speechless again. #ShubmanGill𓃵 #cricket pic.twitter.com/Y3TjiIDxEK— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse) December 20, 2025
Shubman Gill is FIRED 🤡 https://t.co/kvRw4bgcfs
— Ankit (@CricCrazyAnkit) December 20, 2025
