India announced its 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with Suryakumar Yadav as captain. Shubman Gill was dropped, while Ishan Kishan returned. The team aims to defend its title in the tournament hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
The India T20 World Cup squad selection underscores the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s focus on form and team balance amid high expectations from fans across South Asia, where cricket unites millions and fuels intense regional competitions with neighbours like Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Suryakumar Yadav Captains India T20 World Cup Squad
Suryakumar Yadav will lead the India T20 World Cup squad as captain, with Axar Patel named vice captain. This marks a continuation of Yadav’s role, which he assumed after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format post the 2024 victory. Yadav’s aggressive batting and tactical acumen have been pivotal in recent series, including the ongoing tour against South Africa.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the appointments in its official announcement. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated during a press conference: “We felt the keeper at the top at this point gives us a lot more solidity than anywhere else in the team to play different combinations.” This strategy prioritises flexibility in the batting order for the India T20 World Cup squad.
Yadav, 35, has scored over 2,500 runs in T20 Internationals at a strike rate above 170. His leadership will be crucial as India defends its crown on home soil, shared with Sri Lanka. The squad includes seasoned players like Hardik Pandya, who remains the premier all-rounder, expected to contribute with bat and ball.
Shubman Gill Dropped from India T20 World Cup Squad
In a major surprise, Shubman Gill was dropped from the India T20 World Cup squad. Gill, who captains India in Tests and ODIs, has struggled in T20s, going 18 innings without a half-century. He also missed the recent match against South Africa due to a foot injury.
Agarkar explained the decision: “It’s more to do with the combination that we want to play, or what the team management is comfortable with playing. There are only 15 that we could have picked. Someone has to miss out. It’s him. It’s not because he’s not a good player.” This Shubman Gill dropped move highlights the selectors’ emphasis on current form over reputation.
Gill’s omission opens slots for younger talents. Abhishek Sharma retains his place as opener, having impressed with consistent performances. The India T20 World Cup squad now leans towards explosive openers to set aggressive tones in powerplays.
Ishan Kishan Back in India T20 World Cup Squad
Ishan Kishan is back in the India T20 World Cup squad after a strong domestic showing. The wicketkeeper-batsman led Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring a century in the final against Haryana on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Kishan’s recall addresses the need for a solid top-order keeper. He joins Sanju Samson as the two wicketkeepers in the squad. Samson, 30, earned his spot with a quick 37 in the recent win over South Africa in Ahmedabad.
This Ishan Kishan back inclusion strengthens the batting depth. Kishan has 796 runs in 32 T20 Internationals, with a highest score of 89. His ability to accelerate early innings aligns with the team’s strategy for the India T20 World Cup squad.
Key Players and Bowling Attack in India T20 World Cup Squad
The India T20 World Cup squad features a balanced bowling unit. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Bumrah’s death-over expertise, with over 90 wickets in T20Is, remains vital.
Spin options include Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar. Chakaravarthy heads the department, having taken 15 wickets in recent matches. Kuldeep’s wrist-spin adds variety, while Sundar’s economy rate bolsters control in middle overs.
All-rounders like Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Patel provide versatility. Pandya’s role is central, with 1,500 runs and 86 wickets in the format. The squad’s composition allows multiple combinations, as Agarkar noted.
Batsmen such as Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh complete the lineup. Varma’s middle-order stability and Singh’s finishing prowess enhance the India T20 World Cup squad’s firepower.
Background on India’s T20 World Cup Journey
India enters the 2026 tournament as defending champions, having won in 2024 against South Africa in Barbados. That victory ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought and marked the retirements of Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is.
The transition has been smooth under Yadav’s captaincy. Recent series wins, including against Australia and Sri Lanka, build momentum. However, challenges remain, such as adapting to varying pitches in the eight venues across India and Sri Lanka.
South Asian cricket dynamics add intrigue. With Sri Lanka co-hosting, matches against regional rivals could draw massive viewership. India’s dominance in bilateral series contrasts with past World Cup pressures, making this squad selection a test of long-term planning.
What’s Next for India T20 World Cup Squad
The same India T20 World Cup squad will feature in a five-match home T20 series against New Zealand starting next month. This provides preparation time to fine-tune strategies.
Warm-up matches and bilateral fixtures leading to February will help integrate players. Focus areas include top-order consistency and spin management on subcontinental tracks.
As the tournament approaches, injuries and form will be monitored. The selectors may consider reserves if needed, ensuring the India T20 World Cup squad remains competitive.
India’s T20 World Cup squad sets the stage for an exciting title defence, blending experience with youth to chase back-to-back glory.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 21st, 2025
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