Team India has officially announced the squads for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the crucial home series against New Zealand, with Suryakumar Yadav set to lead the side. The T20 World Cup begins on February 7, 2026, with India's opening game against the USA in Mumbai, while the NZ series will be the final dress rehearsal ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Indian cricket has officially shifted into T20 World Cup mode as the BCCI announced Team India’s squads for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the T20I bilateral series against New Zealand. With the global tournament just around the corner, the announcement marks a crucial phase in India’s preparations and has generated massive interest among fans.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 7, 2026, with India and Sri Lanka jointly hosting the tournament. Team India will open its campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, aiming to start strong in front of home fans and set the tone for the championship.
No Shubman Gill in team India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026 & New Zealand T20I series
The much-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and India has finalised a formidable squad that features a mix of seasoned stars and promising new talent. The squad announcement has some major highlights and notable exclusions, offering a clear look at India’s preparations for the World Cup.
In a surprising move, Surya Kumar Yadav has been announced as the captain of Team India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Known for his explosive batting style, Surya has been a pivotal figure in India’s recent T20 successes. His leadership will be closely watched as India aims to lift the trophy once again.
Joining Surya Kumar in a key leadership role is Axar Patel, who has been named the Vice-Captain. Axar’s all-around abilities and his experience in high-pressure games make him a valuable asset to the squad. He is expected to play a crucial role in the middle overs, both with the ball and bat.
However, one of the most significant updates from the squad announcement is the exclusion of Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Despite his consistent performances in other formats, the young opener will not feature in India’s T20I World Cup campaign. This move has raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts, as many expected Gill to be a key player in the T20 format.
India Squad for T20 World Cup and New Zealand T20Is: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kisan (WC)
Selectors have backed proven performers while maintaining balance across departments. The presence of multiple all-rounders provides flexibility, especially on varied subcontinent pitches.
In a major squad update, Shubman Gill has been left out of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand series squads. This decision comes as a surprise given his form in the ODI format, but the selectors have opted for a more aggressive approach in T20S, focusing on players who can provide a higher strike rate in the shorter format.
On a brighter note, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh have both made a return to the squad. Ishan Kishan, who has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, has been rewarded for his stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. He scored an impressive 517 runs with an average of 57.4 and a strike rate of 197.3, showcasing his ability to score quickly and consistently. His return to the squad after a long gap is a testament to his hard work and high-class performance in domestic cricket.
Rinku Singh, another exciting talent, also returns to the squad after impressive domestic performances. Known for his aggressive batting in the middle order, Rinku adds depth to India’s batting lineup, especially in tight run chases.
The India vs New Zealand bilateral series is set to be one of the most crucial series in Team India’s preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026. This series will serve as the final chance for the Indian team to test their combinations and strategies before the World Cup. The first match against New Zealand will be critical, as India looks to fine-tune its squad, experiment with playing combinations, and assess the players' form in match situations.
For players like Ishan Kishan, this series will be an opportunity to prove his worth and solidify his place in the final World Cup squad. Similarly, for Surya Kumar Yadav and Axar Patel, the series provides a platform to fine-tune their leadership dynamics and ensure that the team is gelled and ready for the intense competition ahead.
The squad announcement has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with fans debating selections and match scenarios. Expectations are high, especially with India hosting the tournament and entering as one of the favorites.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on the New Zealand series — the last step before Team India begins its T20 World Cup 2026 journey.
Also Read: Shanaka Replaces Asalanka as Sri Lanka Captain for T20 World Cup 2026
Share this post
Team India has officially announced the squads for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the crucial home series against New Zealand, with Suryakumar Yadav set to lead the side. The T20 World Cup begins on February 7, 2026, with India's opening game against the USA in Mumbai, while the NZ series will be the final dress rehearsal ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
History at the Gabba, The Brisbane Heat pulled off a miracle by successfully chasing a record-breaking 258 against the Perth Scorchers. In a stunning display of power hitting, Matt Renshaw (102) and Jack Wildermuth (110)* both smashed incredible centuries to seal an eight-wicket victory with one ball to spare. This legendary performance now stands as the greatest run chase in Big Bash history.
Hardik Pandya creates history in T20I cricket, becoming the first Indian to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets. He is also the fifth player overall to achieve this rare all-round milestone and just the third Indian with 100+ T20I wickets, after Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. A true icon of India’s T20 journey.
Jasprit Bumrah has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first Indian and only the fifth bowler worldwide to take 100 wickets across all formats. Known for his deadly accuracy and calm under pressure, Bumrah’s rise from a young talent to a global fast-bowling icon is nothing short of inspiring. His milestone marks a proud moment for Indian cricket and a new benchmark for future pacers.
Hardik Pandya is back in India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, starting December 9, 2025. After recovering from a quadriceps injury, Pandya impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, proving his readiness to contribute with both bat and ball. His return strengthens India’s lineup alongside Jasprit Bumrah, adding depth and balance as the team aims to dominate the five-match series and build momentum for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
ScoreWaves © 2025 Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Views:
Download Our App
IOS
Google Play Store