India’s T20 World Cup 2026: The Indian cricket team has been officially announced for the T20 World Cup that’s scheduled to be held in the year 2026. The Indian cricket governing authority the BCCI, organized a press conference in the presence of the Indian cricket squad in Mumbai.
With major shock, Shubman Gill has been left out of the India Cricket team picked for the T20 World Cup 2026. The selection indicates that the team management is less concerned with reputation and more with the immediacy of impact.
Rinku Singh returned after being benched for the series against the Proteas and Ishan Kishan rejoined the team after a two year absence. There are 7 players missing from the winning team in 2024.
Who will Lead India in the T20 World Cup 2026 as Captain?
Suryakumar Yadav will continue as India’s T20 captain, reinforcing the trust placed in his instinctive leadership and fearless batting style. His understanding of modern T20 demands has made him the preferred choice to guide the side. Axar Patel has been made the vice-captain a role that has been awarded for his consistency, versatility and tactically astute cricket, rather than just seniority.
India World Cup T20: Full player list
| Player | Role in Team |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav (Captain) | Middle-order batsman |
| Axar Patel (Vice-Captain) | Spin-bowling all-rounder |
| Abhishek Sharma | Opening batsman |
| Tilak Varma | Middle-order batsman |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| Shivam Dube | Batting all-rounder |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| Hardik Pandya | Pace-bowling all-rounder |
| Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm fast bowler |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Harshit Rana | Fast bowler |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Mystery spinner |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Left-arm wrist spinner |
| Washington Sundar | Spin-bowling all-rounder |
| Rinku Singh | Middle-order batsman / Finisher |
🚨India’s squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 announced 🚨
Let’s cheer for the defending champions 💪#TeamIndia | #MenInBlue | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7CpjGh60vk
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 20, 2025
India vs New Zealand T20I Schedule
- 1st T20I: January 21, Nagpur
- 2nd T20I: January 23, Raipur
- 3rd T20I: January 25, Guwahati
- 4th T20I: January 28, Vizag
- 5th T20I: January 31, Trivandrum
India T20 World Cup 2026 Group Stage Schedule
- India vs USA – February 7, Mumbai
- India vs Namibia – February 12, Delhi
- India vs Pakistan – February 15, Colombo
- India vs Netherlands – February 18, Ahmedabad
Why Shubman Gill Was Dropped from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Gill’s omission seems more to do with recent events than long-term capability. The Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said the team management preferred a wicketkeeper opening the batting which led to Kishan being chosen over Gill to suit the overall combination.
Continuing fitness issues, not so great returns upon return and wicketkeeper opener preference led to exclusion. The selectors have categorically walked in the direction of defined roles and form of late, underlining how unforgiving T20 cricket can be even to an established player.
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Disclaimer: This editorial is based on available information & personal analysis and does not represent official views of the BCCI or Indian team management.
