India’s cricket selectors have named a competitive 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, along with the five-match T20I series against New Zealand scheduled for January. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team as captain, with Axar Patel appointed as the vice-captain.
The squad features the exciting additions of young wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and powerful hitter Rinku Singh, who have both impressed with their recent performances. Notably, Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma, who were part of earlier T20 squads, have been left out this time.
The announcement was made at the Board’s headquarters in Mumbai by captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Axar Patel, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The selected squad blends experienced players with fresh talent to strengthen India’s chances as they aim to defend their T20 World Cup crown.
The 15-man squad includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Rinku Singh.
Axar Patel returns as vice-captain after previously holding the role before the England series earlier this year. Shubman Gill, who served as vice-captain during the Asia Cup and later series, missed out due to a foot injury and a drop in form, scoring 291 runs in 15 innings without a fifty or hundred this year.
Ishan Kishan earned his spot after a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, scoring 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.32 and a strike rate nearing 200, including two centuries and two fifties.
India’s lineup combines powerful batsmen, reliable all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, and a balanced bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah with pace options Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, along with wrist spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.
Before the World Cup, India will face New Zealand in three ODIs and five T20Is, with the T20I series scheduled from January 21 to 31, offering the team valuable preparation ahead of the tournament.
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