The national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will on Saturday name the Indian team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 next year, along with the squad for the T20 series against New Zealand.
India will face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series prior to the mega event, but indications suggest continuity in selection, with one squad set to serve both tournaments. The New Zealand series is from the 21st January to the 31st January, leading upto the global tournament, hosted by India and Sri Lanka, which kicks off on February 7 and concludes with the final on March 8.
Will this be Suryakumar's last tournament as captain?
There's no doubt that the Indian team will play in the T20 World Cup 2026 under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. But it's also almost certain that this will be Suryakumar's last tournament as T20 captain. Surya hasn't been in form for the past year. He hasn't scored a big score in the last 24 matches, and he's only getting a spot in the team because of the captain's presence.
Similar squad for the World Cup and the New Zealand series?
The selection committee will announce the squad for the T20 World Cup as well as the T20 series against New Zealand. It is understood that the same squad will be used for both the series. There are no vacancies at the moment, but questions are being raised about Shubman Gill's continued inclusion in the playing XI, while the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal is available as an option.
It will be interesting to see whether the selectors will include Yashasvi as an extra player for the New Zealand series after seeing his performance so that he can be given a chance in the T20 World Cup if needed.
Samson has a strong claim for reserve opener
Currently, the reserve opener's slot is reserved for Sanju Samson, who is unable to play at the top of the order due to Gill. The selection committee will also have to consider whether they want Gill to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma in the T20 World Cup.
Gill hasn't yet achieved the same level of success in T20s as he has in Tests and ODIs. Before Gill's rise to the top order, Samson was relegated to the middle order and now he's not even part of the playing XI.
Who is the first choice as wicketkeeper?
Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Akshar Patel and Shivam Dubey can get a place in the batting and all-rounder department.
Considering his performance as a wicketkeeper in recent matches, Jitesh Sharma has been preferred over Sanju Samson, although Sanju can also be a part of the squad. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakraborty.
Rinku is unlikely to get a chance
Meanwhile, Rinku Singh, known for his big-hitting prowess, has also lost his place from the playing XI. He was not selected for the home T20 series against South Africa, and now it's unlikely he'll be included in the 15-man squad. If these 15-member squad playing against South Africa are selected in the T20 World Cup, then the team will look strong.
T20 World Cup 2026 | India's Probable Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK) Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana.