India have made some unexpected selection choices for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The selectors dropped Shubman Gill despite expectations that he would be part of the squad. At the same time, they recalled Ishan Kishan to the national setup after a gap of two years.

Kishan earned his return following strong performances for Jharkhand in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Suryakumar Yadav to lead title defence

Suryakumar Yadav will captain India during their title defence. The campaign will begin on February 7, when India host the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

This match will mark the start of India’s World Cup journey.

Axar Patel returns as vice-captain

In another key change, Axar Patel has been reinstated as India’s T20I vice-captain. The selectors had removed him from the role earlier this year when Gill returned to the T20 format for the Asia Cup.

With Ishan Kishan included as the second wicketkeeper, Jitesh Sharma has missed out on a place in the World Cup squad.

Rinku Singh makes a comeback

Rinku Singh has also returned to the T20 setup. The team management had dropped him earlier, even after he hit the winning boundary against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. He missed the entire five-match T20I series against South Africa. However, selectors have now brought him back into the World Cup squad.

Gill’s form troubles selectors

Gill’s recent T20I form played a major role in his omission. Since his return to the format, he struggled to make an impact.

He played 15 innings during this phase. His highest score was only 47. Despite regular opportunities, he failed to convert starts into big innings.

Gill also replaced Sanju Samson as an opener during this period. However, Samson had been India’s highest run-scorer in T20Is last year. In contrast, Gill managed just 291 runs from 15 innings after his comeback.

New opening pair and batting order

India will now open with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Suryakumar Yadav will anchor the middle order. Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube will handle the middle and lower-middle order responsibilities.

Balanced bowling attack named

India’s pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana. The spin department will feature Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. Axar Patel provides an additional spin option, along with the off-spin of all-rounder Washington Sundar.

Delayed press conference due to travel issues

The selection press conference began 35 minutes late. It was originally scheduled for 1:30 PM IST.

The delay happened because Suryakumar Yadav’s flight from Ahmedabad to Mumbai arrived late. He had played in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa on Friday night before heading to the BCCI headquarters for the selection meeting.

Group stage and warm-up series

India will compete in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. Before the World Cup begins, the same squad will also play a five-match T20I series at home against New Zealand.

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper)