T-minus 6 days. The T20 World Cup 2026 clock’s ticking. The India cricket team, reigning champions and title favourites, have completed their ‘warm-up’ for the event. Not counting the actual warm-up match, India will play against South Africa on February 4.
After thrashing New Zealand 4-1, India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup have ended. Before the last match of the series had commenced in Trivandrum, there were a few burning questions. After the game, barring 3, all have been answered.
Opener conundrum solved
The biggest issue for India was their second opener. Sanju Samson had disappointed in the first 4 matches against the Kiwis. Playing at home should have been helpful to Samson, but it wasn’t. He registered yet another single-digit score.
Ishan Kishan, his direct competitor as opener/wicketkeeper, smashed his maiden T20I hundred. Safe to say, India doesn’t have to worry about who Abhishek Sharma’s partner will be. Samson, who was backup to Shubman Gill before, will now be backup to Kishan.
Suryakumar Yadav’s form
Suryakumar Yadav was woefully out of form. Against New Zealand, he smashed 3 half-centuries in 5 matches. The Indian T20I captain averaged 80.66 and struck at 196.74. He was undoubtedly India’s biggest concern prior to the series, but that isn’t the case anymore.
Will Tilak Varma be ready?
Prior to the New Zealand series, two of India’s main players, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar, sustained injuries. Reports suggest that Tilak will be available for the T20 World Cup. He’s expected to play two warm-up matches, one for India and one for India ‘A’, before India’s campaign begins on February 7 against the USA.
One issue that might arise is form. Tilak hasn’t played an international match since December 19. He might be rusty, and that could affect India’s balance in the batting department.
Will Washington Sundar be fit? Who’ll replace him if he isn’t?
As for Washington, he’s expected to undergo a fitness assessment on February 4. Only after that will it be ascertained whether he’ll be available or not. Riyan Parag has been shortlisted as Washington’s possible replacement. He’s expected to play 2 warm-up matches for India ‘A’.
In case Washington isn’t fit, Parag might replace him. However, one has to remember that Parag hasn’t played any international cricket since October 2024. Will that be an issue? We’ll only get to know if he actually plays.
Jasprit Bumrah’s usage
After the 2025 Asia Cup, India has decided to hold Jasprit Bumrah for the non-powerplay overs. He delivers just one over in the 1-6 phase. Even then, Bumrah usually bowls the 5th or 6th over, with Hardik Pandya getting the new ball over him.
The reasoning behind this has been utilising Hardik’s ability to swing the ball and not using him in the middle overs. Yes, Bumrah can bowl in all phases, but this has led to a reduction in his impact. He can’t utilise the hard new ball, which can swing and seam. Bumrah doesn’t get to bowl to new batters, since they are set by the time he comes on. India might change the tactic in the T20 World Cup, but right now, it doesn’t look like the right decision.
India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh
India’s schedule for T20 World Cup 2026
| Match | Date | Venue | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs USA | February 7 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Group |
| India vs Namibia | February 12 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | Group |
| India vs Pakistan | February 15 | R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo | Group |
| India vs Netherlands | February 18 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | Group |
