India Announces Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand T20I Series

Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 along with the five-match IDFC First Bank T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Suryakumar Yadav will continue as captain, while all-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain. The announcement was made at the BCCI headquarters as India sets its sights on becoming the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title.

Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain and recent T20I vice-captain, has been left out of the squad due to concerns over form and team combination. In contrast, Ishan Kishan earns a recall following a prolific Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer with 517 runs at a strike rate close to 200. Rinku Singh also returns to the setup, strengthening India’s middle-order finishing options.

Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma misses out as the selectors opt for two wicketkeeping options at the top of the order in Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.

The same squad will represent India in the home T20I series against New Zealand, which will serve as vital preparation ahead of India’s T20 World Cup opener against the USA on February 7, 2026, in Mumbai.

India’s squad for T20I series against NZ announced & ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (WK)