In or Out? How India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad different from 2024 edition?

India will begin their campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 against the USA on February 7.

On Saturday, December 20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian Cricket Team‘s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament will run from February 7 to March 8 and will be played in India and Sri Lanka. 

This selection process produces a striking shock as the committee excludes vice-captain Shubman Gill following his recent struggles to accumulate significant runs in the shortest format.

Instead, the selectors pick explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and finisher Rinku Singh to add substance to the middle-order. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side, with Axar Patel being his deputy.

Having Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Varun Chakravarthy gives the bowling attack the strength it needs for the tournament. The management believes that this particular combination gives them the flexibility in the field that is needed on the diverse pitches across the entire subcontinent.

Because of this, the national team will use the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand to prepare their team combination before the first game against the United States.

Fans expect a fierce campaign as the defending champions aim to grab their third global trophy in front of a home crowd.

How’s India’s squad different from the 2024 edition?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has overhauled the national roster to defend their crown on home soil. This transition began when the legendary Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the shortest format following the 2024 championship triumph.

Abhishek Sharma replaces Rohit Sharma:

After Rohit Sharma retired, Abhishek Sharma stepped into the opening slot as his explosiveness fits the modern power-play requirements.

Tilak Varma replaces Virat Kohli:

Along with him, Tilak Varma takes the vital number three position to replace Virat Kohli, since the young left-hander offers the right mix of compactness and attacking intent.

Ishan Kishan replaces Rishabh Pant:

The selectors also moved on from Rishabh Pant in favour of Ishan Kishan for the wicketkeeping duties. Kishan earns his way back after scoring heavily on the domestic circuit with centuries that prove he can handle international pressure.

Harshit Rana replaces Mohammed Siraj

In a similar move, Harshit Rana joins the pace attack to take the place of Mohammed Siraj. The team management wants a bowler who can use deceptive bounce and change-ups during the final overs.

Varun Chakravarthy replaces Yuzvendra Chahal

The spin department also sees a tactical change as Varun Chakravarthy replaces Yuzvendra Chahal. The selection committee prefer the way Varun bowls mystery spin on subcontinental tracks, where his odd trajectory often leaves even the best batsmen confused. He has been the most successful bowler in this format in 2025.

Washington Sundar replaces Ravindra Jadeja

Beside him, Washington Sundar takes the all-rounder spot that Ravindra Jadeja previously held, as he has already retired from this format with Kohli and Rohit. Sundar bowls tight off-spin during the initial overs and adds useful left-handed batting depth lower down the order.

Rinku Singh replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal

Finally, the explosive Rinku Singh wins his place in the squad at the expense of Yashasvi Jaiswal. This happens because the selectors want a specialist finisher rather than another top-order batter to make sure the team can chase down big totals.

Every change aims to maintain a high strike rate throughout the entire 20 overs. The defending champions believe these seven new faces bring the energy and skills they need to win another global trophy in front of their home fans.

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