In a decision that has sparked widespread discussion, Shubman Gill has been left out of India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member team on Saturday, marking one of the most surprising selections ahead of the marquee tournament.
Suryakumar Yadav has been retained as India’s T20 captain, while all-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain. Gill’s absence is particularly notable as he is currently India’s captain in both Tests and ODIs and has often served as Suryakumar’s deputy in the T20 format. According to sources, Gill has been dealing with fitness concerns in recent times, which may have influenced the selectors’ decision.
Sanju Samson, who had earlier lost his opening position to Gill, has found a place in the squad and is expected to be a strong contender to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. However, Samson will face stiff competition from Ishan Kishan, who has earned a recall to the national side after nearly two years.
Kishan’s return has been backed by impressive domestic performances, most notably his standout showing in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and played a key role in guiding Jharkhand to their maiden title. The wicketkeeper-batter last represented India in 2023 and now returns as one of the specialist opening options.
The squad also features in-form batter Tilak Varma, while India’s bowling attack will be led by pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who currently holds the No. 1 ranking in T20 bowling.
India will enter the tournament as defending champions and will also co-host the 2026 edition alongside Sri Lanka. The upcoming tournament will be the 10th edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup and will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five during the group stage.
Placed in Group A, India will face arch-rivals Pakistan, along with the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. The Men in Blue will begin their World Cup campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7. One of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, the India vs Pakistan clash, is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The final of the T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled for March 8. Ahmedabad is set to host the title clash unless Pakistan qualifies for the final, in which case Colombo will stage the summit match.
India are two-time champions of the Men’s T20 World Cup. They lifted the trophy for the first time under MS Dhoni during the inaugural edition in South Africa in 2007 and reclaimed the title in 2024 with Rohit Sharma leading the side.
India Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.