In a bold selection call, defending champions India have left out Shubman Gill from their squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, signalling a clear shift in team combinations ahead of the global event.
The squad, announced by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, also sees Axar Patel elevated to the role of vice-captain, underlining his growing importance in India’s white-ball set-up.
Ishan Returns, Rinku Back In Favour
Gill’s omission is one of the headline decisions, with wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma also missing out. In contrast, Ishan Kishan has earned a recall following his explosive run of form, most notably leading Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.
Rinku Singh, who was left out of India’s recent T20I series win in South Africa, also returns, strengthening the middle order with his finishing prowess.
Explaining the rationale behind the selections, Agarkar stressed the importance of balance and flexibility.
We are looking at combinations. Our thought was to have another keeper. Gill is a quality player, unfortunate to miss out, but it is the combination we want.
Selectors Prioritise Balance And Flexibility
Agarkar highlighted Kishan’s suitability at the top of the order and his experience at international level as key factors behind his inclusion.
Ishan bats at the top, he has been in good form, and played before for India. He wasn’t there because Jurel and Pant were ahead. Sanju is at the top, Ishan at the top. That is the combination we are looking at right now.
He added that the team management views Kishan as the most reliable cover behind the first-choice wicketkeepers.
We felt he is the best back-up keeper at this point.
Road To The 2026 T20 World Cup
The Men’s T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8, with India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament. It marks India’s second time hosting the event, having previously staged it in 2016, while Sri Lanka last hosted in 2012.
The tournament will feature 40 group matches up to February 20, with the top two teams from each of the four groups progressing to the Super Eights from February 21.
India have been drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. The holders begin their title defence against USA at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7, followed by matches against Namibia in New Delhi and the Netherlands in Ahmedabad. The marquee clash against Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
New Zealand Series As Final Tune-Up
Before the World Cup, India will host New Zealand for five T20Is starting January 21 in Nagpur, followed by matches in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram, offering the selected squad a crucial run-up to the global showpiece.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan.
