As India prepares to defend its crown T20 World Cup 2026former goalkeeper-turned-batter Parthiv Patel stirred the pot with a bold selection strategy that prioritized current rhythm over past reputation.
Speaking on the Ulduz Sports program “Follow the Blues” Parthiv came up with a plan that saw several high-profile stars benched. His vision for the tournament opener against the USA in Mumbai is defined by his ‘form first’ philosophy, particularly away from some of the team’s young sensations. The Gujarat Titans the assistant coach believes that the intensity of the World Cup requires players who are already in the highest mental and physical condition. Picking experienced death-batsmen and a fiery wicketkeeper, Parthiv has created a buzz in the cricketing landscape.
Parthiv Patel has decided to drop Harshit Rana from the Indian XI for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Although Harshit Ranas rapid rise and the ability to collect important wickets IPL and household schemes, Parthiv Patel preferred a more conservative and battle-hardened tempo attack. Parthiv believes that credibility in opening a high-stakes tournament is a jasprit bumrah-led attack is non-negotiable. He defended his combination while Rana offered raw pace and bounce jasprit bumrah‘s accuracy and Arshdeep Singh‘s left arm variety provides a more complete defensive and offensive package. For Parthiv, Rana remains a bright prospect, but one that has to wait for the right opening.
“Then Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy. This will be my playing XI. I would like to include both Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah…” Parthiv said.
Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson? Parthiv reveals wicketkeeper selection for T20 World Cup 2026
The most controversial part of Patel’s XI is the wicketkeeper slot, which he unequivocally supports. Ishan Kishi it’s over Sanju Samson. This follows Kisha’s return to form against New Zealand. Parthiv pointed out that Samson’s recent struggles with consistency make Kisha’s pace impossible to ignore. He emphasized that the team needs a wicketkeeper who is not only reliable behind the stumps but can also tear the game apart during the Powerplay.
“I think Ishan Kishan is also feeling good. He participated in the previous match and will stay in the warm-up match as well. You want a player who is in form when the World Cup starts. I think India will have to include Ishan Kishan in the squad when the team is selected.” added the former cricketer.
Tilak Varma’s strategic return
Addressing the middle-order balance, Parthiv insisted on his immediate inclusion Tilak Varma as soon as he is declared fit. Varma underwent a rehabilitation course at the hospital Center of Excellence (CoE) for a lower abdominal injury and Patel sees him as an anchor that allows them to like Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dubey to play with freedom. Placing Varma at No.3, Patel aims to give India’s top-order the left-handed stability it has lacked in high-pressure scenarios over the past year.
“I feel Tilak Varma will be in the Indian XI as soon as he is fit because of the way he has performed, the way he has fought for India in different, different positions in the T20 format over the last one to one-and-a-half years. Also, he will obviously play a warm-up game.” Parthiv concluded.
Parthiv Patel’s India playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
