Team India have announced their much-anticipated squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and it comes with several headline-making decisions. The biggest talking point from the selection meeting is the exclusion of Shubman Gill, who was serving as vice-captain in the shortest format, while Axar Patel has been elevated to the deputy’s role. The squad was officially unveiled at a press conference addressed by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia, India captain Suryakumar Yadav, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Shubman Gill dropped and Axar Patel named deputy of Suryakumar Yadav

Gill’s absence from the 15-man squad has raised eyebrows, especially considering his leadership role in recent T20I series. However, Agarkar clarified that the decision was driven purely by team balance and current combinations rather than past roles.

“Shubman was the vice-captain, he’s not in the team. Axar was the vice-captain when the T20s used to clash,” Agarkar said, underlining the selectors’ preference for flexibility and all-round options heading into a global tournament.

Axar’s promotion reflects India’s continued emphasis on multi-skilled players who can influence games in multiple phases, particularly on varied conditions expected during the World Cup.

Ishan Kishan earns recall after SMAT heroics

One of the most positive stories from the selection is the return of Ishan Kishan. The left-hander forced his way back into the national setup after a sensational Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign. Kishan finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer and crowned it with a match-winning century in the final, guiding Jharkhand to a memorable title triumph.

His recent form and ability to dominate the powerplay made him an irresistible pick for the selectors, especially with India keen on explosive starts at the top of the order.

Rinku Singh back as finisher in big-tournament plans

Another notable inclusion is Rinku Singh, who has found himself in and out of the T20I side over the past year. Despite limited opportunities, Rinku’s reputation as a calm and destructive finisher has worked in his favour.

“Combinations more than anything else, two keepers at the top. Rinku comes who gives that lower middle-order option,” Agarkar explained, highlighting the need for depth and flexibility in crunch moments.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for India in T20I cricket ft. Hardik Pandya – IND vs SA

Likely combinations and leadership core

With Gill missing, Sanju Samson is expected to continue as the wicketkeeper-batter and could open alongside Abhishek Sharma. The squad also features experienced campaigners like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, alongside a strong spin contingent led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.

As India lock in their plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the message from the selectors is clear: current form, adaptability, and role clarity will trump reputation as the Men in Blue chase another global title.

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel (vc), Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh

Also READ: Fans go wild as Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya help India demolishes South Africa in Ahmedabad T20I to clinch a 3-1 series win

On December 20, 2025, the BCCI officially announced the 15-member squad that will defend India’s title at the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the squad reflects a massive youth-driven transition, rewarding explosive domestic form and specialized roles over seniority.

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad under Suryakumar Yadav

The return of Ishan Kishan after his domestic brilliance and the promotion of Axar Patel to vice-captain define this new-age team. This squad is built on the philosophy of intent from ball one, featuring power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma alongside the world’s top-ranked T20 bowler, Varun Chakravarthy.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that the selection was based on tactical combinations rather than just individual stats, ensuring the team has multiple bowling options and left-right batting pairs. The defending champions enter the tournament with a mix of established match-winners like Jasprit Bumrah and raw, high-pace talent like Harshit Rana. However, the 2026 roster marks the end of an era, as several legends and stars who were part of the 2024 World Cup-winning squad have either retired or been omitted to make way for this new generation.

7 Indian players who featured in T20 World Cup 2024 but won’t play in 2026 edition

The 2026 squad sees the absence of several key figures from the Barbados victory. Here is a breakdown of the players who helped India win in 2024 but are missing from this title defense:

1. Rohit Sharma (Retired)

The 2024 winning captain bowed out at the ultimate high. After leading India to the title in Barbados, Rohit retired from T20Is as the highest run-scorer in the format’s history at the time. His absence leaves a void in leadership and power at the top.

2. Virat Kohli (Retired)

Following his “Player of the Match” performance in the 2024 Final, Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is. He decided to focus on the longer format (ODI), meaning the 2026 World Cup will be the first T20 mega-event without the “King” since 2010.

3. Ravindra Jadeja (Retired)

The veteran all-rounder retired from T20Is alongside Rohit and Kohli. The management has now fully transitioned to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to fill the spin-bowling all-rounder slots that Jadeja occupied for over a decade.

Also READ: Why Shubman Gill was left out of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad? Ajit Agarkar explains

4. Rishabh Pant (Omitted/Tactical Shift)

In the biggest tactical shock, Rishabh Pant was left out of the 15-member squad. The selectors preferred the opening explosive potential of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, noting that they wanted “wicketkeepers who can bat at the very top of the order.”

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Omitted)

Despite being a regular in 2024, Jaiswal missed out as the selectors backed the all-out attack style of Abhishek Sharma. The decision was based on finding the right combination to partner with the wicketkeeper-openers.

6. Mohammed Siraj (Omitted)

Siraj, a key pacer in the 2024 campaign, lost his spot to Harshit Rana. The selectors opted for Rana’s raw pace and his ability to contribute with the bat lower down the order, alongside the specialist skills of Arshdeep Singh.

7. Yuzvendra Chahal (Omitted)

Chahal, who did not get a game in the 2024 tournament, has finally been moved past in favor of Varun Chakravarthy. With Chakravarthy currently ranked as the World No. 1 T20 bowler, Chahal’s path back into the squad was effectively blocked.

Also READ: Fans left shocked as BCCI drops Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

The final T20I of 2025 in Ahmedabad didn’t just end with India lifting the trophy; it reignited one of the most polarizing debates in Indian cricket. While India secured a 3-1 series win over South Africa on Friday, December 19, the spotlight shifted from the scoreboard to the commentary box, where Ravi Shastri took a direct swipe at the Gautam Gambhir-led management’s selection calls.

Sanju Samson Shines in Shubman Gill’s absence

Entering the series decider at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India made a forced change. Vice-captain Shubman Gill was sidelined with a foot injury, opening the door for Sanju Samson to return to his preferred slot at the top of the order.

Samson didn’t just play; he sent a message. Within the first five overs, he had dismantled the Proteas’ pace attack, smashing 37 off 22 balls (4 boundaries, 2 sixes). His clinical timing and aggressive intent provided the exactly the kind of “powerplay-plus” start India has been seeking.

Also READ: Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma makes historic return

Ravi Shastri questions team management for Samson’s continued absence

Watching Samson hammer Marco Jansen over extra cover, former head coach Shastri didn’t hold back. His words on live television resonated with millions of fans who have long called for Samson’s consistent inclusion:

“When you see him batting like this, you sometimes think, why is he not in the side in the first place? Why should it be an injury that brings him in?” Shastri remarked.

He went on to emphasize Samson’s natural flair, adding, “He’s a natural for that position at the top… three hundreds already in T20 cricket, two against South Africa back-to-back. He is explosive and dangerous.”

Shastri’s critique points to a deeper tactical struggle within the current setup. Under Gambhir, the management has prioritized Gill as a long-term leader and opener. However, Gill’s T20I form has been under the microscope, having managed only 33 runs across his three appearances this series—four runs fewer than what Samson scored in a single outing on Friday.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya help India demolishes South Africa in Ahmedabad T20I to clinch a 3-1 series win

Hardik Pandya’s explosive 63 off 25 balls and his heartfelt gesture towards an injured cameraman lit up India’s 30-run win over South Africa in the fifth T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, sealing the series 3-1 for the hosts.​

Hardik Pandya’s sportsmanship shines as he comforts cameraman hit by his six in fifth T20I

Walking in during the 13th over with India looking to maximise the death overs, Pandya immediately went on the offensive, stepping out first ball to loft Corbin Bosch for a flat six over long-off. That blow sailed straight towards a cameraman stationed near the boundary and struck him on the shoulder, forcing a brief halt in play as medical attention was called in.​

Unfazed, Pandya continued his assault, racing to a half-century in just 16 balls, the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian after Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball effort against England in 2007. He finished with 63 off 25 deliveries, smashing five fours and five sixes at a strike-rate above 250, and stitching a devastating 105-run stand off just 44 balls with Tilak Varma (73 off 42) to lift India to a commanding 231/5.​

Once the innings and match concluded, Pandya made his way straight to the cameraman, checking on his condition, applying an ice pack to his shoulder and sharing a warm hug that left the cameraperson smiling. The clip of the incident, widely shared across social media platforms, drew praise for Pandya’s sportsmanship and compassion, with fans hailing the star all-rounder for looking beyond the scoreboard in a high-pressure series decider.​

Here’s the video:

– Hardik Pandya smashed the six
– Ball hit the hard to cameraman
– After the innings, Hardik instantly came to meet him
– Hardik hugged the cameraman

Just look at the cameraman’s reaction at the end; it’s so priceless. This small gesture from cricketers can make someone’s day… pic.twitter.com/stV156Og6K

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) December 19, 2025

Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for India in T20I cricket ft. Hardik Pandya – IND vs SA

India wrap up series 3-1 as Pandya wins Player of the Match

Earlier, Tilak continued his purple patch with a fluent 73 off 42 balls, peppered with 10 fours and a six, anchoring the middle overs before unleashing alongside Pandya in the back end. Their explosive partnership transformed India from a solid platform into an imposing total, leaving South Africa chasing 232 on a true Ahmedabad surface.​

In response, South Africa stayed in the hunt as long as Quinton de Kock was at the crease, the left-hander crafting a 65-run knock that kept the asking rate within reach. Once he fell, Varun Chakravarthy took control with a four-wicket haul, supported by Jasprit Bumrah’s miserly spell, as the visitors slid from a promising position to 201 for 8, handing India a 30-run victory and a 3-1 series triumph to close out 2025.​

Pandya’s all-round impact and high-tempo batting earned him the Player of the Match award, capping a series where he also returned from injury to reclaim his finisher’s role and leadership presence. Reflecting on his 16-ball fifty, he admitted he had targeted a six off his very first delivery and only later learned he now sits just behind Yuvraj on India’s T20I fastest-fifties list, a milestone made even more memorable by the human touch he showed towards the injured cameraman.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya help India demolishes South Africa in Ahmedabad T20I to clinch a 3-1 series win

India once again underlined their authority in the shortest format by clinching the T20I series against South Africa, continuing a run of consistent success built on depth, adaptability, and fearless cricket. While the series win sparked celebrations in the Indian camp, it was the captain’s candid self-assessment that grabbed attention after the final match. Suryakumar Yadav, never one to shy away from honesty, spoke openly about his own lean run with the bat despite leading India to another series victory.

Suryakumar Yadav opens up amid poor show with the bat

During the post-match presentation, Suryakumar struck a lighter note while acknowledging that his personal performances did not match the lofty standards he has set for himself in T20 cricket. With a smile, the Indian skipper admitted that while the team ticked most boxes, one element was still missing.

“Maybe the only thing we couldn’t quite manage was finding Surya the batter, I think he went missing somewhere! (smiles) But he’ll be back stronger. As a team, I’m really happy,” he said, before quickly adding that he was confident of returning stronger. The remark, delivered with humour, reflected the mindset of a leader secure enough to prioritise team success over individual numbers.

For a batter who has redefined modern T20 batting with innovation and audacity, this phase has been a rare quiet spell. However, Suryakumar’s words reinforced the belief that form is temporary, while confidence and intent remain intact.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya help India demolishes South Africa in Ahmedabad T20I to clinch a 3-1 series win

Team-first approach defines India’s T20 setup

Despite his modest returns, Suryakumar made it clear that the bigger picture mattered more. India’s series win was built on collective contributions rather than dependence on one or two superstars. The captain highlighted how different players stepped up at crucial moments, ensuring momentum never slipped away.

Whether it was the middle order stabilising the innings after early setbacks or bowlers holding their nerve in tight situations, India showcased a well-rounded unit. This shift towards a shared responsibility model has been one of the defining traits of the current Indian T20 side.

“Whenever we were in trouble, someone always put their hand up and pulled us through. As a captain, that’s very satisfying,” Suryakumar added.

While his bat may have been quieter than usual, Suryakumar’s influence as a leader remained evident throughout the series. From proactive field placements to smart rotation of bowlers, he focused on controlling key phases of the game. His calm presence and positive body language played a significant role in keeping the side aggressive yet composed.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for India in T20I cricket ft. Hardik Pandya – IND vs SA

Josh Philippe delivered a match-winning performance with a scintillating 96 off 57 balls, leading Sydney Sixers to a commanding 47-run victory over Sydney Thunder in the 7th match of the Big Bash League 2025-26 at Sydney Showground Stadium.

Despite some early breakthroughs, Sixers posted a formidable total of 198/5 in their 20 overs, with contributions from Babar Azam (58) and Philippe. Thunder’s chase fell short as they managed just 151, with a spirited fightback from Sam Billings (51) and Shadab Khan (41), but the target was too steep. This victory handed Sixers their second consecutive win of the season, while Thunder remains winless.

Josh Philippe and Babar Azam steer Sydney Sixers to big total

The Sixers’ innings was anchored by a brilliant knock from Philippe, who struck 6 fours and 4 sixes to top-score with 96. After an early breakthrough by Reece Topley (3 wickets), the partnership between Philippe and Babar (58) flourished, adding 140 runs for the second wicket. Philippe’s acceleration towards the end of the innings, with a flurry of boundaries, set a tough target for the Thunder. Though the Sixers lost a couple of wickets towards the end, they posted a challenging total of 198/5, with Daniel Hughes (25) and Ben Dwarshuis (1) falling in the latter stages.

Also READ: Big Bash League 2025-26: Complete squads of all 8 teams in the BBL|15

Sydney Thunder’s struggle in chase as Jack Edwards and Joel Davies shine

Thunder’s chase was under constant pressure from the start, as they lost early wickets with both Sam Konstas and David Warner falling cheaply. With the required rate climbing, only Billings (51) and Shadab Khan (41) showed resilience, but their efforts were not enough. The Sixers’ bowlers, led by Jack Edwards (3 wickets) and Joel Davies (2 wickets), kept a tight leash on the scoring, regularly picking up wickets at crucial junctures. Thunder’s middle order crumbled under pressure, and despite some late resistance from Tanveer Sangha (8*), they fell short by 47 runs, finishing at 151 all out in 19.1 overs.

Sydney Sixers got the better of Sydney Thunder in BBL|15 💪#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/UMDMK6dp2b

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2025

Also READ: BBL 2025-26: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch the Big Bash League in Australia, India, USA, UK & other countries