On December 19, 2025, former Indian opener and renowned cricket analyst Aakash Chopra took to his YouTube channel to unveil his predicted 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka, Chopra’s selection highlights a strategic pivot toward multi-skilled utility players and mystery spin.
Aakash Chopra picks India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026
His squad reflects the current form seen in the ongoing South Africa series and the historic high-scoring feats of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) final. While the core of the 2024 championship team remains, Chopra’s latest analysis suggests significant changes in the leadership hierarchy and the finisher roles that have defined India’s T20 identity.
The vice-captaincy conundrum: Hardik Pandya vs Shubman Gill
A major talking point in Chopra’s analysis was the uncertainty surrounding the vice-captaincy, a role currently held by Shubman Gill. While Chopra included Gill in his squad as a specialist opener, he expressed doubt about his longevity in a leadership capacity due to recent fitness issues and a dip in T20I scoring rates. Chopra suggested that the selectors might return to Hardik Pandya to serve as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav.
“The fact is that Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson will be the three openers part of this team. I have picked Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper and an opening option. Abhishek Sharma, let’s not talk about it, because I feel he could be the highest run-scorer of the World Cup.” Chopra said.
“If you are wondering why Shubman Gill has been picked, if you have appointed someone the vice-captain, you won’t pivot that soon. I am not going to put my neck on the line and say that Shubman only will be the vice-captain. The team might leave the vice-captain slot open, or they might appoint Hardik Pandya just to keep their options open.” the former Indian cricketer added.
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Tactical toss-ups: Why Washington Sundar pips Rinku Singh
In a move that sparked significant debate among fans, Chopra chose Washington Sundar over the specialized finisher Rinku Singh for the final spot in his 15. He argued that the team management’s current philosophy favors utility over specialization, particularly on subcontinental pitches where an extra bowling option is vital.
Chopra explained. He noted that while Rinku’s striking ability is elite, Sundar’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and provide left-handed batting depth at number eight offers more tactical maneuvers. This utility-first approach is mirrored in his middle-order picks, where Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube were identified as “100 percent locks” due to their secondary bowling skills and ability to dismantle spin in the middle overs.
“After that, one more wicketkeeper will be required. You need a minimum of two wicketkeepers in the squad. So you have to keep Jitesh Sharma in the team. After that, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. These all-rounders should be locked. These three are 100 percent part of the team. Even if Sanju opens, you will have to play Jitesh because this team has started giving preference to Washington Sundar. I think it’s a toss-up whether to take Rinku or Washi. The team feels they won’t be able to use Rinku at all, so they should keep Washi.” the cricketer-turned-commentor stated.
The bowling blueprint: Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana as game-changers
Chopra’s bowling unit for the 2026 World Cup is built on a “non-negotiable” trio of pace and mystery, with Varun Chakaravarthy tipped to be the tournament’s most lethal weapon.
“After that, Jasprit Bumrah. Let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Arshdeep Singh, let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Then Varun Chakaravarthy. There is no discussion. Why should we waste your and my time? I feel Varun Chakaravarthy could be the highest wicket-taker of this tournament. After that, you have to keep Kuldeep Yadav in the team. You are giving yourselves options. Then only one slot is left. You can pick any fast bowler there. So I am keeping Harshit Rana there. He also provides a batting option at No. 8.” Chopra concluded.
Aakash Chopra’s 15-men Indian squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
- Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (WK)
- Middle Order: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana
