The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is one of the most anticipated events in the international cricket calendar, bringing together the world’s best teams in the fast-paced 20-over format. The tournament is scheduled to be played from 7 February to 8 March 2026 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
This edition of the T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, with matches spread across multiple venues in both host nations, promising a month-long festival of high-intensity cricket.
As one of the co-hosts and defending champions, India will enter the tournament with massive expectations from fans and experts alike. Playing at home conditions further adds to the spotlight, making squad selection and team balance a major talking point ahead of the competition.
A crucial moment for Indian cricket fans came on 20 December 2025, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. The announcement was made at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
The final 15-member squad was selected after detailed discussions by the senior men’s selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav was also present during the press briefing, underlining the leadership group’s involvement in shaping the squad.
One of the biggest surprises from the squad announcement was the exclusion of Shubman Gill. Despite being a key performer in recent T20 series and part of the leadership group, Gill was left out due to his recent form in the T20 format.
To fill this gap, Ishan Kishan was included in the squad. The wicketkeeper-batsman makes a return to the national T20 side following strong performances in domestic cricket, offering flexibility and depth to India’s batting lineup.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead Team India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Known for his innovative stroke play and calm leadership, Suryakumar’s captaincy will be crucial as India looks to defend its title.
All-rounder Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, adding balance to the leadership group. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives India tactical flexibility in different match situations.
Below is the complete 15-member India squad, along with each player’s role in the team:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain) – Middle-order batsman
Abhishek Sharma – Opening batsman
Tilak Varma – Middle-order batsman
Sanju Samson – Wicketkeeper-batsman
Ishan Kishan – Wicketkeeper-batsman
Rinku Singh – Middle-order batsman / Finisher
Shivam Dube – Batting all-rounder
Hardik Pandya – Pace-bowling all-rounder
Axar Patel (Vice-Captain) – Spin-bowling all-rounder
Washington Sundar – Spin-bowling all-rounder
Jasprit Bumrah – Right-arm fast bowler
Arshdeep Singh – Left-arm fast bowler
Harshit Rana – Fast bowler
Varun Chakaravarthy – Mystery spinner
Kuldeep Yadav – Left-arm wrist spinner
As India prepares to defend its T20 World Cup title on home soil, the squad announcement marks a significant step in the build-up to the 2026 tournament. With warm-up matches, bilateral series, and final preparations underway, fans and analysts alike are closely examining team combinations, player roles, and match strategies.
With a mix of experienced match-winners and dynamic younger players, India’s squad reflects a balance between stability and aggression—key ingredients for success in what promises to be a highly competitive global cricket spectacle.