India’s national selection committee has taken a decisive call by leaving out vice captain Shubman Gill from the 15 member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played at home. The decision reflects a clear focus on current form rather than reputation, signalling a shift in selection philosophy ahead of the marquee event.
Axar Patel has been appointed vice captain of the squad, underlining the management’s trust in his all round value and consistency in the shortest format. The announcement also marked the return of Ishan Kishan, who edged past Jitesh Sharma to become the second wicketkeeper alongside Sanju Samson.
Kishan’s comeback follows an outstanding domestic season. After facing setbacks earlier in the year due to fitness and availability concerns, the left handed batter led Jharkhand to their first ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. His tournament included a blistering 101 off 49 balls in the final, which was his fifth century of the competition, matching the record for most hundreds in a single edition. He ended the tournament as the highest run scorer with 517 runs from 10 innings, averaging 57.44 and striking at nearly 200.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Gill’s exclusion was purely performance based, citing a lack of runs in recent outings.
Gill managed scores of 4, 0 and 28 in the T20 series against South Africa, which ultimately worked against him. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also clarified that team composition played a role, as the management wanted a wicketkeeper option at the top of the order.
Kishan’s inclusion meant that Yashasvi Jaiswal missed out, while Jitesh Sharma was also dropped from the squad. The selectors have clearly doubled down on explosive batting, stacking the top and middle order with aggressive options like Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Kishan. Rinku Singh’s return reinforces India’s commitment to a specialist finisher capable of handling pressure situations and accelerating in the death overs.
All round strength remains a key pillar of the squad. Hardik Pandya will once again play a crucial role in balancing the playing eleven, supported by Shivam Dube, whose power against spin has emerged as a major weapon. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar provide flexibility, control and added batting depth.
The bowling attack combines proven performers with future prospects. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace unit, partnered by Arshdeep Singh, India’s most dependable left arm seamer in T20 cricket. The inclusion of Harshit Rana highlights a forward looking approach, with selectors investing in raw pace and bounce.
Spin responsibilities will be shared by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, a duo that offers wrist spin variety and mystery, particularly effective during the middle overs on worn surfaces. Axar and Sundar further enhance the spin options with their versatility.
Apart from his role as the second wicketkeeper, Ishan Kishan will serve as the reserve opener, adding depth and flexibility to the batting lineup as India prepare for the challenges of a home World Cup.
- Squad
- Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel (vice captain)
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
- Washington Sundar
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper)
- Rinku Singh
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