With the T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching, India’s official 15-member squad has sparked plenty of debate. While big names like Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah lead the charge, several proven match-winners were unlucky to miss the cut. In fact, the players left behind form an India squad so strong that it could arguably challenge, and maybe even beat, the main team.
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Here is a look at a parallel 15-member squad that showcases India’s incredible depth.
Batters and Wicketkeepers: Leading this parallel team is Shreyas Iyer, a natural captain and middle-order anchor. He is joined by the explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal and the elegant Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top, both of whom have been scoring heavily. Sai Sudharsan adds a technical class as a backup. For the wicketkeeper slots, we have Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel. Jitesh is a dangerous finisher, while Jurel brings composure and adaptability to the middle order.
All-Rounders: The squad features dynamic all-rounders like Riyan Parag, who offers spin and power-hitting, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, a pace-bowling all-rounder who balances the side. Krunal Pandya adds experience with his left-arm spin and lower-order batting.
Bowlers: The bowling attack is lethal. Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi provide a spinning web that can dismantle any lineup. The pace department is led by the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, supported by the fiery Mohammed Siraj, the tall and bouncy Prasidh Krishna, and the left-arm variety of Khaleel Ahmed.
Many feel that players like Shreyas Iyer and Jitesh Sharma might have actually been better options than some who made the official cut. Iyer’s leadership and Jitesh’s finishing skills are assets any team would crave.
This alternate squad is proof of Indian cricket’s insane bench strength. It is rare for a country to have enough talent to field a whole second team capable of lifting the World Cup trophy. While the official team fights for glory, this parallel squad stands as a reminder of just how rich India’s cricketing resources truly are.
