Shubman Gill Dropped: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. In a major decision, Shubman Gill has been left out, while Axar Patel has been named vice-captain.
Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh have earned recalls following strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The same squad will also represent India in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand from January 21 to 31.
The squad was finalized during a meeting of the BCCI Senior Men’s Selection Committee in Mumbai. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced the selections at a press conference, joined by captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Shubman Gill Dropped After Poor T20I Form
Shubman Gill has paid the price for a prolonged slump in T20 internationals. Once India’s T20I vice-captain, Gill struggled to cement his place due to inconsistent performances.
In 2025, Gill scored 291 runs in 15 matches at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, without registering a single half-century. He also missed the final two T20Is against South Africa due to a foot injury, managing just 32 runs in three matches during the series.
Despite his excellent form in ODIs and Tests, Gill has been unable to replicate that success in the shortest format.
Ishan Kishan Earns Recall After Stellar Domestic Season
Ishan Kishan has been rewarded for his outstanding run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as the leading run-scorer. The left-hander amassed 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and an explosive strike rate of 197.32.
Kishan produced his best performance in the final, smashing 101 off 49 balls with six fours and ten sixes to guide Jharkhand to their maiden title. This marks his return to the Indian T20I setup after last playing in November 2023.
He will serve as the second wicketkeeper, alongside Sanju Samson, who recently crossed 1,000 T20I runs.
Rinku Singh Returns as Finishing Option
Rinku Singh has also been recalled, strengthening India’s lower-order batting. The left-handed finisher scored 172 runs in seven matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and brings valuable experience in pressure situations.
In his T20I career so far, Rinku has scored 550 runs in 35 matches at an impressive average of 42.30 and a strike rate of 161.76, making him a key asset in home conditions.
Spotlight on Abhishek Sharma
The upcoming World Cup will mark Abhishek Sharma’s maiden appearance on the global stage. Since his debut, the young opener has emerged as one of India’s most destructive batters.
Earlier this year, Abhishek became the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 T20I runs in terms of balls faced. He also starred in India’s Asia Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 314 runs at a strike rate of 200.
Strong Bowling and All-Round Depth
India’s pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, both proven performers in T20 World Cups. Bumrah, the Player of the Series in India’s previous title-winning campaign, will once again spearhead the bowling attack.
The spin department features Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, while Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube provide all-round balance. Harshit Rana has also impressed in recent international outings
India’s Group Stage Fixtures
India will open their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7 against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. They will then face Namibia on February 12, Pakistan on February 14 in Colombo, and conclude the group stage against the Netherlands on February 18.
India Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup & New Zealand T20I Series
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
Abhishek Sharma
Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
Tilak Varma
Hardik Pandya
Shivam Dube
Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
Rinku Singh
Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
Jasprit Bumrah
Arshdeep Singh
Kuldeep Yadav
Varun Chakravarthy
Washington Sundar
