India Unveils T20 World Cup Squad: Rinku Singh Joins, Shubman Gill Excluded

The Indian cricket team has revealed its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, featuring Rinku Singh while Shubman Gill has been dropped due to fitness concerns. Captain Suryakumar Yadav leads a 15-member team, with Ishan Kishan returning based on impressive domestic performances. The squad aims to enhance depth in the lower middle order as they prepare for their campaign against the USA on February 7. Explore the team's strategy and key player insights in this comprehensive overview.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 18:44 IST

Rinku Singh Joins the Squad as Shubman Gill is Excluded

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the Indian selection committee, announced Rinku Singh's inclusion in the squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the T20I series against New Zealand. The announcement was made by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia at the board's headquarters on Saturday, with captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar present.

Suryakumar Yadav will captain a 15-member team for the T20 World Cup, while Shubman Gill, who served as the vice-captain, has been left out due to concerns regarding his fitness and form. Axar Patel will resume his role as deputy. Agarkar emphasized Rinku Singh's contribution, stating that he adds more depth to the lower middle order, leading to Gill's omission this time.

Focus on Team Combinations

Agarkar explained, "Rinku (Singh) has been included to enhance our depth in the lower middle order. It's all about finding the right combinations, and unfortunately, someone had to be left out, which is Gill at this moment," he told reporters.

The five-match T20I series against New Zealand is set to commence on January 21, following three ODIs between the finalists of the Champions Trophy 2025. India is placed in Group A with Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the USA, kicking off their campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.

Ishan Kishan Returns Based on Domestic Performance

India's strategy for a wicketkeeper at the top of the order has paved the way for Ishan Kishan, who has impressed with his domestic performance, scoring 517 runs in 10 innings during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy while leading Jharkhand to victory. Kishan, who last played a T20I against Australia in late 2023, has made a comeback after a stellar SMAT 2025/26 season.

Agarkar emphasized that Kishan's selection was based solely on his cricketing abilities. "He has been in excellent form and bats at the top in white-ball cricket. We believe he is the right choice at this time. When building a team, it's crucial to have the right backups," he added.

Gill Remains a Key Player

Agarkar also reassured that Gill is still an important part of India's future plans despite his exclusion. "We consider him a quality player. This decision is not a reflection of his abilities. We hope that by the next World Cup, he will be the top batter in the world again," he concluded.

India's Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20I Series

The squad includes: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper).