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

Announcement of the Indian Team

The Indian cricket team will unveil its squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and the T20I series against New Zealand in January. This announcement will be made by captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday.

Squad Contenders and Player Form

Squad Contenders and Player Form

Guaranteed Starter?

India is grouped in Group A with Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the USA, kicking off their campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai. Star opener Abhishek Sharma is expected to be a guaranteed starter, having had an exceptional year in T20 cricket. He has amassed 825 runs in 20 matches, averaging 43.42 with a strike rate exceeding 195, including a century and five fifties, with a top score of 135.

Leadership Group's Form a Concern

Despite their struggles this year, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill are anticipated to be part of the squad. Suryakumar has only managed 213 runs in 20 matches this year, averaging a disappointing 14.20 with a strike rate just above 125 and no fifties. Gill, who will miss the final T20I against South Africa due to a foot injury, has fared slightly better but has yet to score a fifty in 15 innings since his T20I return, accumulating 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate over 137.

Middle-Order and Wicketkeeping Contenders

Tilak Varma, who demonstrated his potential during the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, is likely to be a straightforward selection for the squad. This year, he has scored 494 runs in T20Is at an average of 44.90 and a strike rate above 124, including three fifties. While his strike rate raises some concerns, his ability to perform in crucial matches is well-established, reminiscent of the legendary Virat Kohli's playing style.

For wicketkeeping options, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma are in contention, with the final decision resting on team dynamics and form. Ishan Kishan could also be considered, especially after leading Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he was the top run-scorer with 517 runs in 10 innings, averaging 57.44 with a strike rate above 195, including two centuries and two fifties.

All-Rounders and Bowling Attack

All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are expected to enhance the team's depth and strength in both batting and bowling.

Kuldeep Yadav, who has been in excellent form this year, is likely to be the primary specialist spinner, supported by Sundar and Axar. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the pace attack, backed by promising talents like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

Potential Wildcard Selections

It will be intriguing to see if fan favorites Rinku Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are currently not in the T20I setup, will be included in the squad.

Upcoming New Zealand Series

Upcoming New Zealand Series

The five-match T20I series against New Zealand is set to commence on January 21, following three ODIs between the Champions Trophy 2025 finalists, which will also feature ODI stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.