India T20 World Cup 2026 squad: Full List, Comebacks, and Key Talking Points
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially revealed India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka. As defending champions, expectations are sky-high, and the selected squad reflects a clear balance of experience, power-hitting, all-round depth, and lethal bowling options.
The announcement has already sparked massive discussion among fans, especially due to the return of Ishan Kishan and the notable absence of players like Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma.
India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad – Full List
Batters & Wicketkeepers
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Rinku Singh
All-Rounders
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
- Shivam Dube
- Washington Sundar
Bowlers
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
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Key Highlights of the Squad
Suryakumar Yadav Leads as Captain
India’s most destructive T20 batter, Suryakumar Yadav, has been entrusted with the captaincy. His fearless approach, innovative stroke play, and calm leadership make him a natural choice to lead India in high-pressure World Cup matches.
Ishan Kishan’s Big Comeback
One of the biggest talking points is the return of Ishan Kishan. After being out of the national setup for a significant period, Kishan’s explosive batting at the top and wicketkeeping versatility have earned him a recall, signaling strong faith from the selectors.
All-Round Strength in Middle Order
With Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, India boasts a powerful middle order capable of changing games quickly. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives India tactical flexibility on different pitch conditions.
Bowling Attack Built for T20 Conditions
The bowling unit looks formidable:
- Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack with his unmatched death-over expertise.
- Arshdeep Singh provides swing and left-arm variation.
- Kuldeep Yadav & Varun Chakravarthy offer spin mystery and wicket-taking options.
- Harshit Rana adds youthful pace and aggression.
Why Shubman Gill & Jitesh Sharma Missed Out
Despite consistent performances in recent years, Shubman Gill has not found a place in the squad. The selectors appear to have prioritized specialist T20 roles over traditional batting technique.
Similarly, Jitesh Sharma, known for his finishing abilities, misses out as the team management seems to prefer multi-dimensional players and left-right batting combinations.
Defending Champions with a Fresh Mindset
India enters the 2026 T20 World Cup as defending champions, and this squad shows a clear intent:
- Fearless batting
- Depth till No. 8
- World-class death bowling
- Spin options for subcontinent pitches
The mix of seasoned match-winners and fearless youngsters makes this squad one of the strongest India has fielded in recent T20 World Cups.
Final Verdict
The India T20 World Cup 2026 squad reflects a bold, modern T20 philosophy. While some exclusions may surprise fans, the overall selection emphasizes impact players, adaptability, and big-match temperament.
With home-like conditions and a balanced team, India will once again be among the top favorites to lift the trophy.
