USA's strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

USA are drawn into group A of T20 World Cup 2026, which also features India and Pakistan.

The USA will be competing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, as one of the emerging Associate nations. They grabbed global attention in the previous Men’s T20 World Cup by shocking Pakistan in a group-stage match via a Super Over and eventually qualifying for the Super 8 stage of the tournament.

The USA will return with similar ambitions, aiming to prove that they are a serious cricketing nation capable of challenging the established giants of the game. Placed in a tough group alongside India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia, the Americans will face each team once in the group stage.

To put up a strong fight on the big stage, the USA have selected what appears to be its best possible squad for the tournament. However, Aaron Jones has not been included, as he has been provisionally suspended from all forms of cricket with immediate effect following allegations of fixing.

On that note, let’s take a look at the probable playing XI of the USA for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

USA’s strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

1. Saiteja Mukkamala

Saiteja Mukkamala has been the team’s opener for quite some time and has performed the role to perfection. He averages 42 with an impressive strike rate of 152, making him an explosive powerplay batter who can take on bowlers from the very start, exactly what the USA will be expecting from him.

2. Andries Gous (wk)

Andries Gous will be seen opening alongside Mukkamala. The wicketkeeper-batter was the top scorer for the USA in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, where he amassed 219 runs with the bat. His explosive style of play perfectly suits the team’s approach at the top of the order.

With two aggressive openers, the USA will aim to make full use of the powerplay and put early pressure on opposition bowling attacks.

3. Monank Patel (c)

The captain will also be seen batting in the top order. He was part of the USA team that played in the last World Cup and shocked the cricketing world with their performances.

Patel will be keen to replicate that success under his leadership this time around and will look to make a strong impact with the bat as well. His calm approach and experience at the international level will be crucial in guiding a relatively young USA side through high-pressure situations.

4. Shayan Jahangir

Shayan Jahangir is one of the players to watch out for in the USA team. He has impressed everyone with his skills in a short period of time and has also featured in various global T20 leagues. He will be a key figure in the middle order for the team.

Jahangir’s ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed adds great balance to the batting lineup, and his experience against quality bowling attacks will be a big asset for the USA in crunch moments.

5. Sanjay Krishnamurthi

The young Sanjay Krishnamurthi can also be seen in the middle order of the USA team. He is known for going hard at the ball and playing a fearless brand of cricket. He also bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin and has delivered some impressive spells across different leagues. His all-round abilities provide valuable balance to the side, making him an important player for the team in the tournament.

6. Milind Kumar

In the lower middle order, all-rounder Milind Kumar can be seen. His experience will be crucial for the team, especially in pressure situations. A calm presence at the crease, Milind is capable of stabilising the innings when early wickets fall and can accelerate when required.

7. Shubham Ranjane

Shubham Ranjane is another all-round option in the USA team. His medium-pace bowling provides an additional seam option, while his lower-order batting adds valuable depth to the lineup. Capable of contributing in both departments, Ranjane offers balance to the side and can play a crucial role in tight situations.

8. Harmeet Singh

Harmeet Singh is the primary spin-bowling option for the team. His left-arm orthodox spin will be crucial against right-handed batters, as he can restrict the flow of runs and pick up important wickets in the middle overs. His ability to bowl economically under pressure makes him a key asset for the USA in big matches.

9. Jasdeep Singh

Jasdeep Singh is a fast-bowling option for the team. The right-arm pacer will be crucial in the middle overs, where his ability to pick up wickets and put pressure on the opposition will be vital. He can also be effective at the death with his variations and experience, giving the USA a reliable pace option across different phases of the innings.

10. Saurabh Netravalkar

Saurabh Netravalkar was the highest wicket-taker for the USA in the last ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, picking up six wickets for his country. His disciplined bowling in the powerplay consistently built pressure on the opposition, often forcing batters into mistakes and gifting wickets. He was one of the standout performers of the tournament and will once again be a key figure for the USA in the upcoming World Cup.

11. Ali Khan

Ali Khan has been one of the leading pacers for the USA team. The right-arm fast bowler is known for his pace and effectiveness in the middle overs as well as at the death. His ability to pick up crucial wickets and control the run flow will once again make him a vital asset for the USA in the World Cup.

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