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India named its squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with major changes as Shubman Gill was dropped due to poor form. Axar Patel was named vice-captain, while Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh earned recalls.
Gill Dropped, Ishan Kishan Back in Blue for T20 World Cup
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, December 20, 2025, announced the 15-member Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India.
The tournament will be played from February 27, 2026, with India as the host nation. The team was announced jointly by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav at a press conference held in Mumbai.
The biggest and most surprising decision in the team selection was the exclusion of vice-captain Shubman Gill. The selection committee clarified that he was not included in the team due to his recent lack of runs.
BCCI announces India squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Gill misses out
Ajit Agarkar admitted that Gill's form has been a cause for concern, and the decision was made keeping the team combination in mind.
Ajit Agarkar said that the selection committee wants consistency, and the team needs players who can perform the right role at the right time. He explained that the team needed a wicketkeeper-batsman in the top order to provide more options. Shubman Gill was excluded as part of this strategy.
Ishan Kishan has returned to the team and has been included as a reserve opener and wicketkeeper. Jitesh Sharma has been dropped from the squad. Agarkar said that Ishan Kishan bats in the top order and his recent form could be useful for the team.
BCCI Announces T20 World Cup India Squad
Another major decision was the appointment of all-rounder Axar Patel as vice-captain. With Shubman Gill's exclusion, a vice-captain was needed, and the selection committee entrusted this responsibility to Axar considering his experience, consistent performance, and all-round abilities.
Rinku Singh has returned to the team. He has once again been assigned the role of a finisher. Rinku was previously part of the Indian team that won the Asia Cup, and his aggressive batting in limited-overs cricket is considered crucial for the team. Balanced Team, Strong Bowling Attack
The fast bowling attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. The spin department features Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Washington Sundar, giving the team a balanced look.
The Indian team selected for the T20 World Cup 2026 is a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The selection committee has clearly indicated that the team was chosen based on form and combination, not just on reputation. It will be interesting to see if this team can deliver another world title for India in home conditions.
