Mumbai, 20 December (H.S.): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Shubman Gill’s exclusion emerging as the biggest talking point. The selectors named Axar Patel as vice-captain, while Ishan Kishan made a strong comeback to the national side after a consistent white-ball run.

A notable change also saw Rinku Singh replacing Jitesh Sharma in the final squad. With Gill missing out, Sanju Samson is now expected to open the innings for India, while also taking the wicketkeeping gloves following his fine performance in the fifth T20I against South Africa.

A joint press conference held at the BCCI headquarters featured Secretary Devajit Saikia, T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, who addressed the media to explain the selection rationale.

Agarkar on Gill’s Exclusion

Speaking about the decision to leave out Shubman Gill, Ajit Agarkar clarified,“We’re focusing on consistency and aiming to have a wicketkeeper-batter in the top order. Shubman Gill is a fantastic cricketer, even though he hasn’t scored big runs recently. This decision is based more on team combination than on his form. Not every player can feature in every format, so certain selections are made with balance in mind.

Gill has been one of the best in the world over the past few years, and we expect him to return to his best well before the World Cup.”He added,“No one is asking why Yashasvi Jaiswal isn’t part of the squad, even though he was in the previous World Cup team. We’ve chosen what we believe is the best possible combination for the upcoming tournament.”

On Ishan Kishan’s Return and Team Balance

Agarkar further explained the return of Ishan Kishan, saying,“Ishan has been opening in white-ball cricket and is currently in good form. Having a wicketkeeper in the top order provides us with greater flexibility in team combinations.”

Discussing the inclusion of multiple all-rounders, Agarkar noted,“The presence of several all-rounders gives us versatility. With players like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, along with quality wrist spinners in the squad, we have options to adapt according to opposition and conditions.”

Suryakumar Yadav on Selection and Team Strategy

Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed satisfaction with the squad, saying,“The team looks very balanced. Every key position has been well-covered, and we have various combinations available depending on match situations.”

On Gill’s omission, Suryakumar echoed the chief selector’s view:“This is not about form—it’s about team structure. We wanted a wicketkeeper at the top and a lower-order finisher like Rinku or Washington in the mix.”

He also discussed Tilak Varma’s role, stating,“I and Gautam bhai (coach) now believe that the left-right batting combination is often overemphasized. Tilak’s batting position has been clearly defined.”

Regarding strategy in the powerplay, Suryakumar said,“A strong start in this format is crucial. Winning the powerplay sets the tone, and that’s exactly what guided our selection approach.”

Acknowledging his own recent dip in form, the skipper said,“This phase has been slightly longer than usual, but every player goes through it. I know what adjustments I need to make. The upcoming five-match series against New Zealand gives me a chance to regain rhythm.”

BCCI on Standby Players

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that no standby players have been named yet, stating,“Since the tournament is happening in India, replacements can be made if necessary. For now, we’re confident with the 15-man squad announced.”

India Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar