Defending champions and co-hosts India have announced their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. Suryakumar Yadav will be leading India in an ICC tournament for the first time as expectations are sky-high, with India aiming to make history by securing a record third T20 World Cup title.
All-rounder Axar Patel has been named the vice-captain of the side. The most notable omission is Shubman Gill, whose recent struggles in T20Is have cost him a place. In Gill’s absence, the responsibility at the top of the order is expected to fall on Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
One of the major takeaways of the squad announcement is the inclusion of Ishan Kishan. After a stellar campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a pivotal role in guiding Jharkhand to the title, Kishan has earned his recall through sheer performance. Rinku Singh has also earned a spot in the squad. Notably, the same squad will line up in the preceding five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
India Squad: 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.