Key Takeaways from India’s Squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

As co-hosts, India became the first nation to unveil their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on 7 February. The early announcement has sparked widespread discussion, not just because of the names included, but also because of a few high-profile omissions that signal a clear direction from the selectors.

While the squad largely sticks with the core that featured in the Asia Cup and recent T20I series against Australia and South Africa, it also reflects a willingness to make bold calls based on form, roles, and team balance. Here are the biggest takeaways from India’s World Cup squad.

Samson Gets the Nod as Gill Misses Out

The most debated decision is the exclusion of Shubman Gill. Just a few months ago, Gill returned to the T20I setup as both opener and vice-captain, a move that suggested long-term faith in his abilities. However, his performances since that comeback failed to justify the backing.

Across 15 matches, Gill managed 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, without a single fifty. For a player expected to anchor or accelerate at the top, those numbers fell short of expectations.

Sanju Samson, on the other hand, had quietly built a strong case. Opening the innings in 13 matches after the 2024 T20 World Cup, Samson scored 454 runs at an average close to 35 and a blistering strike rate above 180, including three centuries. While his stint in the middle order was less impactful, his returns as an opener were simply hard to ignore.

India’s decision to stick with Samson at the top alongside Abhishek Sharma underlines a preference for proven combinations rather than reputations. It also reflects a results-driven approach ahead of a title defence.

Ishan Kishan’s Domestic Run Pays Off

At first glance, Ishan Kishan’s inclusion may seem surprising, especially given his absence from India’s T20I setup since 2023. But a deeper look at his recent domestic form tells a compelling story.

Kishan dominated the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer while captaining Jharkhand to the title. He piled up 517 runs at an extraordinary average of 57.44 and a strike rate nearing 200, including two centuries. One of those hundreds came in the final, just days before the World Cup squad was announced.

Beyond the runs, Kishan adds tactical depth. As a left-handed opener who can also keep wickets, he offers like-for-like cover for Samson and allows India to experiment with combinations. The team management has made it clear that flexibility, not fixed roles, is central to their planning.

Rinku Singh Reclaims the Finisher’s Role

India’s search for a reliable finisher has come full circle. After experimenting with Sanju Samson and later Jitesh Sharma in the role, the selectors have returned to Rinku Singh, a player who has repeatedly proven his value in pressure situations.

Jitesh Sharma’s recent outings yielded limited returns, with just 87 runs across five innings, often batting too late to influence the game. Rinku, by contrast, brings a clearly defined skill set. In 35 T20Is, he has struck at over 160, with his numbers in the death overs approaching 200.

With wicketkeeping responsibilities covered by Samson and Kishan, India have chosen to prioritise Rinku’s finishing ability, a move that aligns with the demands of modern T20 cricket where late-innings impact can decide matches.

A Squad Built on Flexibility and Match-Ups

Perhaps the most striking feature of India’s squad is its adaptability. The presence of multiple all-rounders and multi-skilled batters gives the team the freedom to tailor their XI to conditions and opposition.

The top order can be reshuffled with ease, with Samson and Kishan capable of opening or batting in the middle. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav bring versatility at No.3 and No.4, allowing India to either attack early or rebuild if wickets fall.

Further down the order, the mix of Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh ensures depth in both batting and bowling. Except for Rinku, all offer bowling options, giving the captain flexibility in managing workloads and match-ups.

On the bowling front, India are well covered across conditions. Spin-heavy attacks featuring Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy can be deployed on slower surfaces, while pace-friendly pitches allow for a fast-bowling trio led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

Final Thoughts

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad sends a clear message: current form, defined roles, and adaptability matter more than past credentials. The omission of a high-profile name like Shubman Gill reinforces that no spot is guaranteed, while the inclusion of players like Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh highlights the value placed on impact performances.

As defending champions and co-hosts, India have assembled a squad designed not just to compete, but to evolve through the tournament. Whether these selections pay off will unfold on the field, but on paper, the strategy is clear, deliberate, and refreshingly bold.