BCCI Announced T20 World Cup Squad
India’s T20 World Cup squad announcement delivered one of the biggest shocks in recent times, as Shubman Gill was left out of the 15-member team and removed as vice-captain. The squad was unveiled on Saturday by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, ahead of the T20 World Cup beginning on February 7.
The selectors’ decision to drop Gill highlighted their intent to prioritise current form and team balance over reputation. Alongside Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma also missed out, while Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh earned recalls to the squad.
Why Shubman Gill Missed Out
Gill’s omission comes after a prolonged dip in form in the shortest format. He failed to score a single T20I half-century in 2025 and struggled to provide quick starts at the top of the order. His recent scores across multiple series did little to strengthen his case, and injuries further disrupted his rhythm.
Explaining the decision, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that the move was not a reflection of Gill’s quality, but rather a result of the combination the team management wants to pursue. India are looking to field a wicketkeeper who can open the innings, allowing greater flexibility in the middle and lower order.
Agarkar also clarified that Axar Patel had previously served as vice-captain when Gill was unavailable, making him the natural choice to step into the role again.
Axar Patel Takes on Bigger Responsibility
Axar Patel, who recently recovered from illness, has been named vice-captain and is set to play a key role with both bat and ball. His appointment reflects the team’s emphasis on experience, versatility, and leadership depth.
India have opted for a spin-heavy approach, selecting four specialist spinners—Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Washington Sundar—keeping in mind conditions in India and Sri Lanka.
Batting and Wicketkeeping Combinations
With Gill out, Sanju Samson is expected to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, a pairing that impressed recently. Samson had earlier stepped in during Gill’s absence and delivered a brisk knock, strengthening his claim at the top.
Ishan Kishan’s return was backed by strong domestic form, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led Jharkhand to the title and scored over 500 runs. Rinku Singh’s inclusion adds firepower and finishing depth in the middle to lower middle order.
Pace Attack and All-Round Options
India’s pace unit will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide additional bowling options while contributing significantly with the bat.
Tournament Details and Group Stage
The T20 World Cup 2026 will be held from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka. India will begin their campaign on the opening day against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Placed in Group A, India will face Namibia, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and the USA. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Interestingly, no host nation has ever won the T20 World Cup. With matches on home soil, India will aim to break that long-standing trend.
No Standby Players Named
The selection committee chose not to announce standby players, with BCCI officials stating that all players would be readily available given the tournament’s location.
India’s Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar
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