India’s Cricket Squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, cricket fans around the globe are closely following Team India’s Squad preparations. The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026, with India entering the competition as defending champions and one of the strongest contenders on home soil.

The Indian squad reflects a clear vision from the selectors — a blend of explosive batting, all-round depth, and a varied bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions across the subcontinent.

Squad Announcement & Leadership

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad in late December 2025. Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed captain, marking his first ICC tournament as full-time leader. His aggressive approach and 360-degree batting style make him a natural fit for T20 leadership.

Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, highlighting the team management’s trust in his consistency as both a batter and a bowler. His ability to control the middle overs and contribute crucial runs adds strategic value.

Notably, Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma were omitted from the final squad, a decision based primarily on recent T20 form and team balance rather than reputation.

India’s Official 15-Member Squad

Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-Captain: Axar Patel

Squad Members:

• Suryakumar Yadav (C)

• Axar Patel (VC)

• Abhishek Sharma

• Sanju Samson (WK)

• Ishan Kishan (WK)

• Tilak Varma

• Hardik Pandya

• Shivam Dube

• Rinku Singh

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Arshdeep Singh

• Harshit Rana

• Varun Chakravarthy

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Washington Sundar

This squad provides India with strong depth in all departments, particularly in batting flexibility and bowling combinations.

Key Strengths of the Squad

Batting Firepower

India’s top and middle order feature fearless stroke-makers. Abhishek Sharma brings aggressive intent at the top, while Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav anchor the middle overs. Rinku Singh has emerged as a reliable finisher, capable of changing games in the final overs.

All-Round Versatility

With Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar, India possess one of the most versatile all-round groups in the tournament. This allows flexibility in team combinations and batting depth up to number eight.

Bowling Attack

India’s bowling unit is led by Jasprit Bumrah, arguably the best T20 fast bowler in the world. Arshdeep Singh adds left-arm variation, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy provide wicket-taking spin options in the middle overs.

Selection Talking Points

The omission of Shubman Gill generated debate, but selectors emphasized the importance of current T20 form and balance. The inclusion of two specialist wicketkeeper-batters, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, reflects India’s intent to maximize batting strength without compromising fielding standards.

Overall Outlook

India enter the T20 World Cup 2026 with a squad built for adaptability and impact. With home conditions, crowd support, and a well-balanced team, India will start the tournament as one of the clear favourites to lift the trophy once again.