Many cricket fans have surprised the decision of the Indian selectors have left out Shubman Gill from the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Instead, Ishan Kishan has been recalled to the national team after a gap of nearly two years. His return comes after strong performances for Jharkhand in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Suryakumar Yadav to Lead India’s Title Defence
India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7, hosting USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who has been appointed captain for the tournament.
Axar Patel Back as Vice-Captain
All-rounder Axar Patel has been reinstated as India’s T20I vice-captain. He had earlier lost the role when Shubman Gill returned to the T20 format for the Asia Cup earlier this year. With Ishan Kishan included as the second wicketkeeper, Jitesh Sharma has been dropped from the World Cup squad.
Rinku Singh Makes a Comeback
Another notable return is that of Rinku Singh. He was earlier dropped despite hitting the winning boundary against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. Rinku missed the entire five-match T20I series against South Africa, but has now found his way back into the World Cup team.
Why has Shubham Gill been out from T20 World Cup 2026
Shubman Gill’s exclusion is largely linked to his poor form in T20 internationals. Since making his comeback, he played 15 innings, with his highest score being just 47. Despite getting regular chances, he struggled to make an impact at the top of the order. Gill had replaced Sanju Samson as opener, even though Samson was India’s highest run-scorer in T20Is last year. During the same period, Gill managed 291 runs from 15 innings, which did not convince the selectors.
Delayed Press Conference
The squad announcement press conference was delayed by 35 minutes from its scheduled time of 1:30 PM IST. This happened because Suryakumar Yadav’s flight from Ahmedabad to Mumbai was delayed. He had played in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa on Friday night before reaching the BCCI headquarters for the selection meeting.
India’s Group and Upcoming Series
India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. Before the World Cup begins, the same squad will also play a five-match T20I series at home against New Zealand, which will serve as final preparation.
India’s Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
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Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
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Abhishek Sharma
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Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
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Tilak Varma
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Hardik Pandya
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Shivam Dube
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Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
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Rinku Singh
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Harshit Rana
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Kuldeep Yadav
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Varun Chakaravarthy
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Arshdeep Singh
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Washington Sundar
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Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)