T20 World Cup 2026 India Squad: Full Team List, Captain, Vice-Captain & Coach

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.

India Enter T20 World Cup 2026 as Co-Hosts and Defending Champions

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.

India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 Announced by BCCI

Official Squad Announcement Date and Venue

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.

Selection Committee and Leadership Presence

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.

Key Selection Calls and Squad Changes

Shubman Gill Left Out Due to Recent T20 Form

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.

Ishan Kishan Returns to the T20 Setup

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.

Leadership Group for T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav Named Captain

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.

Axar Patel Appointed Vice-Captain

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.

Team India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Complete Players List

Below is the complete 15-member India squad, along with each player’s role in the team:

Batters and Wicketkeeper-Batters

• 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

All-Rounders

• 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

Bowlers

• 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

India’s Road to Title Defence

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.