Sanju Samson Selected for T20 World Cup 2026: Key Updates on India's Squad
Sanju Samson's Exciting Announcement
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been included in the national team for the upcoming T20 World Cup next year. The talented player from Kerala expressed his pride and confidence with a heartfelt message.
On his Instagram, Samson posted a painting of himself in the Indian jersey, gazing upwards, accompanied by the caption, "Colors will not fade, definitely!"
Squad Selection Details
Samson's place in the squad follows a series of impressive performances, showcasing his renewed confidence on the international stage. Ishan Kishan will join him as the second wicketkeeper-batter, while Samson is set to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia announced the team at the board's headquarters on Saturday, with captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar present.
Shubman Gill Excluded from the Squad
Shubman Gill has been left out of the squad due to concerns regarding his fitness and form. He missed the fifth T20I against South Africa because of a foot injury sustained prior to the fourth T20I, which was canceled due to fog.
Since returning to the team as vice-captain during the Asia Cup, Gill has struggled to find his form in T20Is, accumulating only 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25, without any fifties.
Notable Selections and Returns
The opening pair for Team India will consist of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, with Rinku Singh making a return after last playing during the Asia Cup final, where he scored the winning run.
Ishan Kishan, who had an outstanding Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, is back in the squad after last appearing in a T20I against Australia in late 2023. He was the top scorer in the SMAT with 517 runs in 10 innings, averaging 57.44.
Squad Overview: Middle-order and Bowling Line-up
The Indian middle-order is bolstered by Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Rinku Singh, providing significant depth and strength.
Kuldeep Yadav serves as the specialist spinner alongside Varun Chakravarthy, while Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
Group Placement and Initial Match
India has been placed in Group A, which includes Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States. The team's campaign will kick off against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.
Complete Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20I Series
The squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 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 Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper).