As the T20I World Cup approaches, the excitement in India is reaching a fever pitch. After the historic win in the Caribbean, the Men in Blue enter the 2026 edition as the defending champions, aiming to keep the trophy at home. The tournament is scheduled to be played from February 7 to March 8, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
On Saturday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar officially announced the 15-member squad for T20I World Cup 2026. Interestingly, the management has decided that this same squad will be followed for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, serving as the final dress rehearsal.
Here are the 5 key takeaways from the squad announcement:
5. The Shocking Exit of Shubman Gill
In a massive call, the selection committee has “kicked out” the former T20I vice-captain, Shubman Gill from the T20I World Cup squad. Appointed as the deputy just months ago, Gill’s failure to convert starts has cost him dearly. His recent stats are alarming; in his last 10 T20I innings, he has failed to cross the 50-run mark even once, with scores like: 37, 5, 15, 46, 29, 4, 0, 8, 28, and 12.
4. Suryakumar Yadav’s last chance?
Despite being named captain, this looks like the “last chance” for Suryakumar Yadav. His situation mirrors Gill’s; he has struggled significantly in the 2025 calendar year, managing only 213 runs in 18 innings with an average of 14.20 and zero fifties.
While the selectors respected his leadership role for now, his spot is under immense scrutiny. If he fails against New Zealand, the board might take a tough call after the World Cup.
ALSO READ- Wedding bells over Cricket balls: Josh Inglis to limit IPL window for his wedding
3. Is it the End for Rishabh Pant?
With the rise of other keeper-batters, Pant has transitioned from a regular starter to someone who struggles to even make into the XI of ODIs. It appears the selectors no longer view him as a specialist for the shorter formats.
2. Surprising Return of Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh has made a triumphant comeback. After being sidelined during the South Africa series without a clear explanation, his inclusion is a surprising but welcome move. He has been picked over names like Jitesh Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad, reclaiming his spot as the designated finisher.
1. Ishan Kishan: The Pocket Dynamo Return
After a long wait since his last appearance in late 2023, Ishan Kishan is back. He forced the selectors’ hands by leading Jharkhand to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title, finishing as the top scorer with 517 runs.
FOLLOW US ON OUR FB PAGE
Having debuted in 2021, Ishan was sidelined due to “discipline and fitness” concerns, but his domestic glory has finally paved his way back into the national colors.