Sanju Samson Selected for T20 World Cup 2026: A New Chapter for Indian Cricket
Samson's Exciting Announcement
In a significant development for Indian cricket, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been included in the national team for the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for next year. The talented player from Kerala expressed his pride and confidence through a heartfelt message on social media.
Samson took to Instagram to share a striking artwork of himself donned in the Indian jersey, gazing upwards. He captioned the post with a powerful statement: "Colors will not fade, definitely!!"
Team Composition and Key Players
The decision to retain Samson in the squad follows his impressive performances and the renewed faith in his skills at the international level. Joining him as the second wicketkeeper-batter is Ishan Kishan, while Samson is set to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the team, with secretary Devajit Saikia presenting it at the board's headquarters, accompanied by captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Changes in the Squad
Shubman Gill, who missed the fifth T20I against South Africa due to a foot injury, has been excluded from the squad due to concerns regarding his fitness and performance. Despite a strong showing as vice-captain during the Asia Cup, Gill struggled in T20Is, managing only 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25.
Samson and Abhishek Sharma are confirmed as the opening duo for Team India, with Rinku Singh making a return after his last appearance in the Asia Cup final, where he scored the winning run. He also played in a T20I against Australia in November, although he did not bat due to rain.
Ishan Kishan's Impressive Comeback
Ishan Kishan, who had a stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, leading Jharkhand to their first title, is back in the squad after last playing a T20I against Australia in late 2023. He was the top scorer in the tournament, amassing 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44, including two centuries.
Strengthening the Middle Order
The Indian middle order is bolstered by players like Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Rinku Singh, providing depth and firepower. 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 A and Upcoming Matches
India finds itself in Group A, competing against Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States. The team's campaign kicks off against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.
The complete squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and the New Zealand T20I series 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).