India Announces T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Featuring Kishan and Rinku

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has unveiled a strong 15-player lineup for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the T20I series against New Zealand set for January. Suryakumar Yadav will take charge as captain, with Axar Patel stepping in as vice-captain.

Among the notable inclusions are young wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and explosive batsman Rinku Singh, both having made significant contributions in recent matches. Conversely, Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma have been dropped from the squad.

This announcement was made at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai by captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Axar Patel, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The selected team aims to blend seasoned players with emerging talents to enhance India’s quest to defend its T20 World Cup title.

The finalized squad includes: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Rinku Singh.

Axar Patel steps back into the vice-captain role after previously holding it before the England series. Shubman Gill, who served as vice-captain during the Asia Cup, is absent due to a foot injury and a recent slump in form, with only 291 runs in 15 innings so far this year.

Ishan Kishan secured his position after an impressive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, amassing 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.32, featuring two centuries and two half-centuries.

India's squad combines formidable batsmen, dependable all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, and a well-rounded bowling unit led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by pace bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, along with spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Leading up to the World Cup, India is scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is against New Zealand, with the T20I series occurring from January 21 to 31, providing crucial preparation for the tournament.