India’s T20 World Cup Squad Explained: Likely XI, Batting Order and Bowling Roles

India has left out Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma from its squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, opting instead for Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan in the 15-member group. Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, and the same squad will also feature in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

India enters the tournament as defending champion, having defeated South Africa in the final of the 2024 edition.

Predicted Playing XI

Sanju Samson (wk/batter)

Abhishek Sharma (batter)

Tilak Varma (batter)

Suryakumar Yadav (batter)

Hardik Pandya (pace bowling all-rounder)

Shivam Dube (pace bowling all-rounder)

Rinku Singh (batter)

Axar Patel (spin-bowling all-rounder)

Arshdeep Singh (pacer)

Jasprit Bumrah (pacer)

Varun Chakaravarthy (spinner)

India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk)

Published on Dec 20, 2025