India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Shubman Gill Dropped as Axar Patel Named India’s Vice-Captain
India name T20 World Cup 2026 squad as Shubman Gill misses out, Axar Patel becomes vice-captain, same team to face New Zealand.
The BCCI on Sunday announced India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, along with the same group for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January.
The biggest talking point was the exclusion of Shubman Gill. The opening batter has struggled in T20 internationals, with his returns dipping across the last 15 innings.
Suryakumar Yadav will continue as captain, while Axar Patel has been named vice-captain. The move reflects the team management’s trust in Axar’s calm presence and growing role in T20 cricket.
One of the positives from the selection was the return of Ishan Kishan. His strong run in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy played a key role in earning a recall to the national side.
Rinku Singh also makes it back into the squad, underlining India’s focus on having a reliable finisher for tight games at the World Cup.
The selectors have leaned heavily towards all-round depth. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar give India multiple options across batting and bowling combinations.
In the bowling department, pace duties will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh and young quick Harshit Rana. Spin options include Kuldeep Yadav and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy.
Batting depth is strengthened by youngsters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, while Sanju Samson provides another wicketkeeping option.
The five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January 2026 will be India’s final dress rehearsal before the World Cup begins on February 7.
With clear roles, leadership stability and strong all-round balance, the squad signals India’s intent to go into the tournament well prepared.
India Squad for T20 World Cup and New Zealand T20Is
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (Vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
