India has officially revealed their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The defending champions have gone with a mix of experience, form, and flexibility, led by Suryakumar Yadav, who continues as captain after guiding India in the 2024 cycle.
The squad announcement brought major surprises—most notably, Shubman Gill being dropped and Ishan Kishan returning after nearly two years. Axar Patel has been promoted as vice-captain, highlighting his leadership and all-round value.
India begin their campaign on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium against the USA, followed by the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash on February 15 in Colombo.
Highlights of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Major Talking Points“
- Shubman Gill left out due to form and combination issues.
- Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan both included, offering wicketkeeping depth at the top.
- Axar Patel named vice-captain, signalling his elevated role.
- Rinku Singh returns as India’s specialist finisher.
- Harshit Rana earns a World Cup spot, strengthening India’s pace battery.
- Strong spin department with Kuldeep, Varun, Washington, and Axar.
Read Also: Top 10 Most Talked-About Indian Cricketers in 2025
India’s Full Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
15-Member Player List:
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Suryakumar Yadav |
| Vice-Captain | Axar Patel |
| Batters | Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh |
| Wicketkeeper-Batters | Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan |
| All-Rounders | Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar |
| Fast Bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana |
| Spinners | Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy |
India’s Group & Key Fixtures
India are placed in Group A with:
- Pakistan
- USA
- Netherlands
- Namibia
Team India Important Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Feb 2026 | India vs USA | Mumbai – Wankhede |
| 12 Feb 2026 | India vs Namibia | Delhi – Arun Jaitley Stadium |
| 15 Feb 2026 | India vs Pakistan | Colombo – R. Premadasa Stadium |
| 18 Feb 2026 | India vs Netherlands | Ahmedabad – Narendra Modi Stadium |
The final is scheduled for March 8, 2026.
Why Shubman Gill Missed Out
While Gill remains a top-quality player, selectors emphasised team balance and current form. With a preference for a wicketkeeper-opener combination, Gill missed the cut for this edition.
India Playing XI for the T20 World Cup (Probable)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson / Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel (vc)
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav / Varun Chakravarthy
FAQs
1. Who is the captain of India for T20 World Cup 2026?
Suryakumar Yadav continues as the captain.
2. Who is the vice-captain?
Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain.
3. Why was Shubman Gill dropped?
Team combination, form, and preference for wicketkeeper-openers played a major role.
4. Who are India’s wicketkeepers?
Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.
5. When is India’s first match?
February 7, 2026, against the USA in Mumbai.
6. Where will the India vs Pakistan match be played?
Colombo, R. Premadasa Stadium on February 15.
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