India became the first team to announce their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with selection calls clearly shaped by form, roles, and tactical flexibility rather than reputation. The India squad for T20 World Cup 2026 has some major talking points which we’ll dissect.
The biggest headline from the announcement was the omission of Shubman Gill, a decision that underlined the selectors’ shift towards recent impact and defined roles ahead of title defence on home and subcontinental conditions. It will likely be the biggest omission from all T20 World Cup 2026 squads.
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
Shubman Gill Left Out As India Back Proven T20 Combinations
Shubman Gill’s exclusion is the most debated call in India’s squad. After being recalled as an opener and even named vice-captain earlier in the year, Gill struggled to stamp his authority in T20Is. Across 15 matches following his return, he scored 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, without a single fifty.
India have instead chosen continuity at the top, persisting with combinations that have delivered consistent returns since the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Sanju Samson Retained As Opener
Sanju Samson has been backed as India’s first-choice opener alongside Abhishek Sharma. Since the last T20 World Cup, Samson has thrived at the top, scoring 454 runs in 13 matches at an average of 34.92 and an exceptional strike rate of 181.60, including three centuries.
Although he was briefly shifted to the middle order earlier this year, India have reverted to using Samson where his impact has been most pronounced, at the top of the order.
Ishan Kishan Rewarded For Domestic Dominance
Ishan Kishan’s recall may look surprising on paper, but his domestic numbers made a strong case. Kishan finished as the leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 517 runs at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate close to 200, while also captaining Jharkhand to the title.
His inclusion provides India with a like-for-like opening backup and an additional wicketkeeping option, adding depth and tactical flexibility.
Rinku Singh Returns As India’s Designated Finisher
India have gone back to Rinku Singh for the finisher’s role. Jitesh Sharma was left out after India chose to use Ishan Kishan as the backup opener and wicketkeeper, providing room for Rinku to come in. Rinku’s T20I strike rate of 161.76, rising to nearly 200 in the death overs, makes him a specialist asset in the final phase of innings.
With wicketkeeping covered by Samson and Kishan, India have prioritised late-innings firepower.
For schedule, venues and latest updates, see our T20 World Cup 2026 news page.
