India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced: Suryakumar Yadav to Lead, Gill Left Out; Full Schedule

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced India 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February to March 2026. With less than two months remaining for the mega event, the selection has sparked major discussion among fans and experts.

India will enter the tournament as defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2024, and the team management has gone with a mix of experience, form players, and proven T20 specialists.

Suryakumar Yadav Named Captain, Axar Patel Vice-Captain

As expected, Suryakumar Yadav has been named the captain of the Indian team for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Known for his fearless batting and calm leadership in the shortest format, Suryakumar will lead India in what will be the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup.

All-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain, replacing Shubman Gill, who has been left out of the squad altogether. Axar consistent performances with both bat and ball, especially in Indian conditions, played a big role in his elevation.

Big Calls: Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma Miss Out

One of the biggest talking points from the selection is the exclusion of Shubman Gill, who was previously part of India’s T20 leadership group. Gill inconsistent form in T20 cricket appears to have gone against him.

Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma has also missed out, as the selectors preferred experience and recent domestic form over potential.

Comebacks for Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh

The selection committee has rewarded strong domestic performances, bringing back Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh into the T20 setup.

Ishan Kishan, who last played an international match in November 2023, has forced his way back after a stunning run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, including a match-winning century in the final. His return also marks the end of a long absence following disciplinary and selection setbacks.

Rinku Singh, known for his finishing ability, has been included to strengthen India’s middle order, especially for high-pressure chases.

Keeping Indian and Sri Lankan pitches in mind, the selectors have chosen a balanced squad featuring spinners, seamers, power-hitters, and multiple all-round options.

India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 (15 Players)

Batters (4):
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh

Wicketkeepers (2):
Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan

All-rounders (4):
Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Washington Sundar

Bowlers (5):
Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

BCCI has also confirmed that no standby players will be named, as the tournament is being held at home and replacements can be arranged quickly if needed.

🚨India’s squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 announced 🚨

Let's cheer for the defending champions 💪#TeamIndia | #MenInBlue | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7CpjGh60vk

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 20, 2025

India Group and Full League Schedule

The 2026 T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups. India has been placed in Group A, alongside some tricky opponents.

India’s Group A Teams

• India
• Pakistan
• USA
• Namibia
• Netherlands

India will play all its league matches in February, with venues spread across India and Sri Lanka.

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 League Matches

Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka. If Pakistan do not reach the final, the final match will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Otherwise, knockout matches involving Pakistan will be hosted in Sri Lanka.

India Aim to Defend the Title at Home

India will be aiming to achieve something no team has done before – successfully defending a T20 World Cup title. With home conditions, a settled squad, and strong leadership, expectations are sky-high.

The countdown has officially begun, and all eyes will now be on how this squad prepares for the biggest T20 tournament in the world.