Gill Dropped, Jaiswal Misses Out
In a major surprise, ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill failed to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup team. He also lost the vice-captaincy. Similarly, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal did not make the cut.
The selection panel clearly preferred specialists who suit the shortest format rather than relying on multi-format stars.Ishan Kishan Makes Surprise Comeback
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan returned to the Indian T20 side after a long absence. His strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy impressed the selectors.
As a result, Kishan’s inclusion adds depth to the batting order and flexibility behind the stumps. Tournament Schedule and Key Matches
The T20 World Cup 2026 will take place in India and Sri Lanka. The tournament begins on February 7, 2026, and the final will be played on March 8.
India will open its campaign against the United States on February 7. After that, the team will face Namibia on February 12. A high-voltage clash against Pakistan will follow on February 15 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. India will then play the Netherlands on February 18.Super 8s and Knockout Stage
The Super 8 stage will run from February 21 to March 1. The first semi-final will take place on March 4, followed by the second semi-final on March 5.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The decision has sparked widespread discussion among fans and former players.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team as captain, while all-rounder Axar Patel will serve as vice-captain. The selectors focused strongly on current T20 form while finalising the squad.
New Zealand Tour Before World Cup
Ahead of the World Cup, New Zealand will tour India from January 11. The tour will feature three ODIs and five T20Is. Importantly, India will field the same T20 World Cup squad during the T20I series, offering crucial match practice before the global event.India Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
