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

The Indian cricket team is preparing for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and an upcoming series against New Zealand. With captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar set to announce the squad, key players like Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are in focus. The team faces a challenging group and will kick off their campaign against the USA. Insights into player performances and potential selections highlight the depth and strategy of the team as they aim for success in the international arena.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 13:41 IST

Announcement of Indian Team for Upcoming T20 Events

The Indian cricket team will be announced for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and the T20 international series against New Zealand in January. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will reveal the squad at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday. India has been placed in Group 'A' alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States, with their campaign kicking off against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.

Key Players to Watch

Star opener Abhishek Sharma is expected to feature prominently in the tournament, having delivered outstanding performances in T20 cricket this year, both in franchise leagues and for the national team. He has amassed 825 runs in 20 matches at an impressive average of 43.42 and a strike rate exceeding 195, including one century and five half-centuries, with a top score of 135. Despite a disappointing year, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill are anticipated to retain their spots in the squad. Yadav has struggled, scoring only 213 runs in 20 matches at a dismal average of 14.20, with no half-centuries to his name.

Performance Insights

Gill, currently sidelined due to a leg injury, has shown better form but has yet to score a half-century in 15 innings since returning to T20 internationals, accumulating just 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of over 137. Tilak Varma, who showcased his talent in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, is also likely to be selected. He has scored 494 runs in T20 internationals this year at an average of 44.90 and a strike rate of over 124, including three half-centuries.

Wicketkeeping and All-Rounder Options

Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma are potential wicketkeeping options, but the management's decision will depend on the team's composition and the current form of the players, particularly Gill. If recent performances are prioritized, Ishan Kishan could also be a contender, having recently led Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he was the top scorer with 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44, including two centuries and two half-centuries.

Bowling Line-Up and Future Matches

All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar will add depth and strength to both batting and bowling. Kuldeep Yadav, in excellent form this year, is likely to be the sole specialist spinner, supported by Sundar and Axar. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the pace attack, being a proven match-winner in crucial situations. Young talents Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana may also be considered. It will be intriguing to see if fan favorites Rinku Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have not yet made the T20 international team, get their chance. The five-match T20 international series against New Zealand, finalists of the 2025 Champions Trophy, will commence on January 21, following three ODI matches that will feature veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.