With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retired from the T20 format, moments after the victory of the T20 World Cup 2024. India have opted for continuity blended with fresh energy as they announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, retaining a strong core from the triumphant 2024 campaign while ushering in a new leadership group and several emerging names.
Suryakumar Yadav has been entrusted with the captaincy, marking a clear shift towards a more aggressive, modern T20 approach. Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, underlining his growing stature as a dependable all-rounder across conditions. The squad reflects India’s intent to balance experience with explosiveness, particularly at the top and in the middle order.
Eight players from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad have retained their places for the 2026 edition — Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav. Their retention provides continuity, experience in high-pressure tournaments and familiarity with global T20 demands.
Veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja are no longer part of the setup, signalling a generational transition. In their place, younger batters such as Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh have been rewarded for their consistent performances in domestic and franchise cricket. Ishan Kishan’s return adds depth and flexibility to the batting order, after his phenomenal run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), while also strengthening the wicketkeeping options alongside Sanju Samson.
India’s bowling unit remains formidable. Jasprit Bumrah continues to lead the attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh’s left-arm pace and the inclusion of Harshit Rana as a fast-bowling prospect. The spin department features a strong trio in Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy and Washington Sundar, offering variety and tactical options across conditions.
All-rounders remain central to India’s strategy. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar provide balance, allowing the team to adapt combinations based on opposition and venues. This depth gives the management flexibility without compromising batting firepower or bowling resources.
Overall, India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad reflects a clear roadmap, retaining a proven core while backing the next generation to carry forward the legacy. With leadership stability, explosive batting options and a versatile bowling attack, the team appears well-equipped to challenge for another global title.
India's squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk)
