India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026 to be announced on THIS date: Reports

India will begin their title defense against the USA on Feb 7.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is less than two months away, and all eyes will now be on the Indian squad, which is likely to be announced on Saturday, December 20. India are currently playing against South Africa in a five-match T20I series, with the final decider to be played on Friday, December 19, in Ahmedabad.

This has further increased the likelihood that the Indian team will be announced immediately after this series.

According to ICC rules and regulations, the deadline for teams to announce their squads is January 8. The T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 21, will be the final opportunity for preparation, as the reigning champions aim to make history by becoming the first team to win two consecutive T20 World Cup trophies.

A BCCI source had earlier indicated that the squad selected for this five-match T20 series is expected to represent the country at the all-important tournament.

“The squad that will be selected for the New Zealand T20Is will be the same that will be named for the T20 World Cup,” a BCCI source told PTI.

According to reports, a meeting will be held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai to select the 15-member team. However, the ICC allows all teams to make some changes to their squads until a certain time.

Squad expectations

Most members of the current T20I squad for the South Africa series are expected to retain their places in the upcoming World Cup squad. However, question marks continue to surround Sanju Samson’s position, with the wicketkeeper yet to be given a single opportunity in the first three matches.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s status is also under scrutiny, having been left out of the South Africa squad despite being a dynamic opening option. Given Shubman Gill‘s poor returns, Jaiswal could force his way back into the side, potentially at the expense of Samson.

Another surprising decision in this series was the exclusion of Rinku Singh. India’s middle order has largely relied on Hardik Pandya, with Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma struggling for consistency. While Rinku remains a strong option, a late recall at this stage appears unlikely.

Ishan Kishan’s explosive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy could prompt the BCCI to reconsider his place in the setup, alongside a potential recall for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Such moves might come at the expense of Washington Sundar and Sanju Samson as selectors weigh form and balance ahead of key tournaments.

Questions could be raised on a potential comeback opportunity for Mohammad Siraj, as there are already three spinners present in the squad.

India’s probable squad for T20 World Cup 2026-

Likely 15: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar.

Backups: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammad Siraj, Rinku Singh, Prasidh Krishna.

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