The time has come for Team India, to unleash themselves in the T20 World Cup 2026. Preparations are done, and the players are ready to defend their title at home; something that no country has managed to do so far. But coming into the tournament, one must admit, they are the favorites to lift the cup once more.
There are a few injury concerns in the team, but then the bench strength is such, that the ones missing out won’t be missed as much. So, InsideSport takes a look at the predicted India playing XI for the USA clash.
Ishan Kishan to open
Just like Suryakumar Yadav confirmed on the eve of the match, Ishan Kishan could most likely open for Team India, after scoring 215 runs in the NZ series. That means, Sanju Samson will warm the bench. What really could give a lifeline to Sanju is, one is still not sure about Tilak Varma’s match fitness. If that is the case, then Kishan might still open while Sanju could come on no. 3. But let us just assume for now, that Tilak is fit.
No surprises in middle order
Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube make a formidable middle order. They can win a match from any situation for Team India, and gives them the wood over any team in the competition. What is brilliant is, in the IND vs NZ series Rinku got a score of 39, which should give him a lot of confidence.
Axar vs Kuldeep
One big choice Team India will have to make is, which left-arm spinner the management wants to go with; Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav. Axar being the all-rounder, and also the vice-captain looks like the frontrunner. As for the other spinner, it would be Varun Chakravarthy. Also, two frontline pacers will be Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Predicted India XI vs USA for T20 World Cup
Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Cricket
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's 175, Ambrish's prowess powers India U19 to sixth U19 World Cup title
