Predicted Team India T20I Squad For The ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The Indian team scripted history after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. It was the first time in over 10 years for the Men in Blue to win an ICC Trophy. Moreover, the team claimed the T20 World Cup trophy after a long wait of 17 years. However, the series also marked the end of an era for the Indian Cricket Team. Seizing the perfect chance, skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from the T20 format post-match. Following suit, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also hung up his boots in the format. Now, the Indian T20I team is undergoing a transition phase, opening doors for young talents and sensational domestic performers.

The Indian T20I Squad After The T20 World Cup 2024

Former batter Gautam Gambhir has taken charge as the head coach of the ICT. His appointment, meanwhile, has brought about a significant change in the team setup. Suryakumar Yadav, surpassing the likes of Hardik Pandya, earned the captaincy of the team in the shortest format. Moreover, the young opener Shubman Gill gained the vice-captaincy position across the white-ball formats. The team’s first project after the 2024 T20 World Cup was India’s Tour of Sri Lanka.

The squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Harshit Rana. India won the series 3-0 against the hosts as some of the players registered their names for a long run in the ICT for the shortest format of the game.

Predicting India T20 Squad For The ICC World Cup 2026

From the looks of it, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have claimed the opening position with full certainty. Gill, though he follows a patient approach in batting, showcased aggressive intent in the Sri Lanka series. The batter scored 34 off just 16 deliveries in the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka before picking up a neck spasm and sitting out the second match. Jaiswal, having etched his name as a hitting menace in the powerplays through some splendid shows in IPL, is also an assured prospect at the top.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav is likely to take the third position in the batting order, given his performance against Sri Lanka. The leader scored 93 runs across the 3 matches at a strike rate of 193.5. A good sign for the Indian side is that Yadav doesn’t seem to be crumbling under the captaincy responsibility. The batter showcased admirable leadership qualities, putting his all-rounders to good use and rotating the bowlers quite well. Moreover, his batting style or pace didn’t take any hits after he took up the leading position.

Leading Prospects In Contention For T20I Selection

Names like Abhishek Sharma and Dhruv Jurel will also be in contention for selection, given they keep up their performance in the chances presented to them. Moreover, the batters will need to showcase consistency in domestic leagues and IPL 2025 to earn a chance at the marquee event. Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad, currently in sublime form, can also attract discussion over his inclusion. However, India, already confused among multiple top-order options, is likely to skip his name, as displayed recently in their decision for the Sri Lanka tour.

Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya will be the running contenders for the middle order and finishing duties. While Samson can get a chance if he proves his prowess in international cricket, currently his inconsistency seems to be an issue for the fraternity. From the looks of it, the wicket-keeping position in the team is mostly in favor of Rishabh Pant. However, the likes of Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson can challenge his authority in the post if they display any significant performance within this two-year window.

The name of Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling lineup seems written in concrete for the next World Cup. Moreover, Mohammed Siraj is also leading the race along with the Punjab bowler. However, with chances in the Sri Lanka series, India is testing IPL performers like Harshit Rana and Khaleel Ahmed to fortify the pace lineup in the team. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are moving ahead as the team’s spin all-round prospects for the foreseeable future. Additionally, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi are the leading names in contention to grab the full-time spin position in the team for the forthcoming season.

Predicted Team India T20 Squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026:

Suryakumar Yadav ©, Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

Prospects Who Can Earn a Call-up:

 Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav, Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Avesh Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy