The Indian cricket team’s squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup has been announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Suryakumar Yadav will lead the defending champions, with Axar Patel as his deputy. The squad sees the exclusion of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma, while Ishan Kishan has been included as a backup wicketkeeper for Sanju Samson.
Ishan Kishan’s selection comes on the back of his stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he led Jharkhand to victory with a century in the final. The left-handed batter was the leading run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 517 runs at a strike rate of 197.32, including two centuries and two fifties. Despite his impressive domestic form, Kishan has not featured in a T20I match since November 2023.
Tilak Varma has also secured his place in the squad as India’s primary No. 3 option. The left-handed batsman had a successful series against South Africa, scoring 187 runs at an average of 62.33, including two half-centuries. With 847 runs in 24 innings since the last T20 World Cup, Varma has proven himself as a reliable middle-order batsman.
Abhishek Sharma, the world’s top-ranked T20I opener, continues to impress with his consistent performances. The southpaw has scored 1,115 runs in 33 matches at a strike rate of 188.03, including two centuries and six fifties. He is expected to play a crucial role at the top of the order, similar to Rohit Sharma’s role in the previous T20 World Cup.
Varun Chakaravarthy, India’s leading spinner, has been in fine form since the last T20 World Cup, picking up 53 wickets in 27 T20Is. With impressive performances against South Africa, including a 10-wicket haul in the series, Chakaravarthy will be a key player in India’s bowling attack at the upcoming tournament.
Washington Sundar, the versatile all-rounder, will provide valuable contributions with both bat and ball for India. With 17 wickets in 15 matches post-2024 T20 World Cup, Sundar has been a consistent performer. His ability to contribute with the bat adds depth to India’s lineup.
The Indian team is set to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA at Wankhede Stadium on February 7. With a strong squad featuring a mix of experienced players and exciting young talents, the defending champions will be looking to retain their title in the tournament.
