Gill Left Out as India Unveil Bold World Cup Squad for 2026

MUMBAI: Defending champions India reshaped expectations on Saturday after announcing a World Cup squad that delivers shock, intent, and clear direction ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil.

The headline decision came swiftly. Shubman Gill, vice-captain and regular across formats, failed to find a place in the 15-member squad. Selectors chose to move on despite his consistent presence in recent white-ball plans, signalling a shift toward form, balance, and defined roles.

India will co-host the tournament with Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8 and will chase a record third T20 World Cup title after beating South Africa in the 2024 final.

Suryakumar Takes Charge in His First ICC Event

Suryakumar Yadav will lead India into his first ICC tournament as captain, a move that reflects confidence in his tactical clarity. His leadership during the bilateral series earned trust within the dressing room and across the selection panel.

Axar Patel will serve as a vice-captain, and this may strengthen India’s spin-bowling leadership and middle-order stability. 

Batting Group Signals Clear Tactical Shift

Selectors opted for flexibility and power rather than reputation alone. Jitesh Sharma missed out as India is gonna trust Rinku Singh’s finishing ability and composure in tight chases. 

Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma retained their places after strong performances across home conditions. Similarly, Shivam Dube’s inclusion adds a clear boundary-hitting option through the middle overs, particularly against spin-heavy attacks.

Hardik Pandya remains central to the structure, carrying responsibility as the senior pace-bowling all-rounder.

Ishan Kishan Returns, Wicketkeeping Depth Strengthened

Ishan Kishan got a recall after his last feature in November 2023, and his selection can add aggression at the top and flexibility across batting positions. With these changes, India clearly prioritised adaptability rather than fixed batting slots.

Bowling Unit Built for Home Conditions

India’s bowling attack reflects clarity rather than compromise. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace group, supported by Arshdeep Singh’s swing and Harshit Rana’s hit-the-deck pace. The trio offers variety across powerplay and death overs.

Spin remains India’s strongest asset, and for this, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy are their selected options, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar will complete this versatile, control-driven spin unit suited to Indian surfaces.

New Zealand Series Set the Tone

Before the World Cup, India will face New Zealand in three ODIs and five T20Is. The same squad will feature in the T20I series from January 21 to January 31, offering selectors a final opportunity to fine-tune combinations.

The Gill omission will dominate the discussion, but the squad reveals a clear philosophy. India wants clarity, adaptability, and match-winners suited to tournament pressure, not comfort selections.

India Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

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