The India T20 World Cup 2026 squad has been officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ending weeks of speculation around team combination, leadership, and player selection. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the Men in Blue entering the tournament as defending champions.
The selection committee has gone with a balanced 15-member squad, blending experience with emerging talent. As expected, Suryakumar Yadav continues as captain, while Axar Patel has been named vice-captain.
India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Complete Player List
Here is the official 15-member India T20 World Cup 2026 squad announced by the BCCI:
| Player Name | Role |
| Suryakumar Yadav (C) | Middle-order Batter |
| Axar Patel (VC) | All-rounder |
| Abhishek Sharma | Top-order Batter |
| Tilak Varma | Batter |
| Hardik Pandya | Fast-bowling All-rounder |
| Shivam Dube | Batting All-rounder |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Rinku Singh | Batter |
| Washington Sundar | Spin All-rounder |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Left-arm Spinner |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Mystery Spinner |
Key Highlights of India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
One of the biggest talking points in the India T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement is the absence of Shubman Gill, who had been part of leadership discussions earlier in the year. The selectors appear to have prioritised recent T20 form and team balance over reputation.
Another major positive is the return and continuity of Jasprit Bumrah, whose fitness will be crucial for India’s title defence. His partnership with Arshdeep Singh provides India with lethal new-ball and death-over options.
The inclusion of two experienced wicketkeeper-batters, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, will provide the Indian team with great flexibility depending on pitch conditions and opposition.
India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Suryakumar Yadav Backed as Captain
The decision to persist with Suryakumar Yadav as captain shows the team management’s trust in his leadership despite his recent mixed form. Suryakumar remains one of the most destructive T20 batters from Team India, who can change the flow of the game at any given stage.
Axar Patel being named the new vice-captain showcases his consistency with both bat and ball. His ability to control the middle overs could prove decisive in home conditions.
FAQs
Q. Who is the captain of the India T20 World Cup 2026 squad?
A. Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain, with Axar Patel as vice-captain.
Q. Why is Shubman Gill not in the India T20 World Cup 2026 squad?
A. Selectors pointed to Shubman Gill’s recent dip in form as a key factor behind his omission from the 15-member squad.
Q. When does the T20 World Cup 2026 start?
A. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin in February 2026.
Q. When will India play their first match in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
A. India will play their first match of the 2026 T20 World on February 7, 2026, against the United States in Mumbai.
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