Post by : Meena Ariff

The Indian cricket selection committee has officially announced a dynamic 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, coinciding with the five-match T20I series against New Zealand set for January. Suryakumar Yadav takes the reins as captain, supported by Axar Patel as vice-captain.

Highlighting the squad’s depth are the exciting inclusions of youthful wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and power-hitter Rinku Singh, who have dazzled in recent matches. Conversely, Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma are notable absentees from the lineup.

The announcement took place at the Board’s Mumbai headquarters and featured captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Axar Patel, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. This squad is a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers, setting India’s ambition to defend their T20 World Cup title in focus.

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

Returning to the vice-captaincy, Axar Patel previously held this position earlier this year before the England series. Shubman Gill, who acted as vice-captain during the Asia Cup, misses out due to a foot injury and declining form, having scored 291 runs in 15 innings without any big scores this year.

Ishan Kishan’s impressive form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.32 with a strike rate nearing 200, including two centuries and two fifties, secured his place.

India’s lineup merges hard-hitting batsmen with dependable all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, along with a well-rounded bowling unit led by Jasprit Bumrah, supplemented by pace options Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, as well as wrist spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Before the T20 World Cup, India will clash with New Zealand in three ODIs and five T20Is, with the T20I series set from January 21 to 31 to provide essential preparation ahead of the tournament.

#Global News #Sports News