The India cricket team’s title defence at the T20 World Cup 2026 has commenced. The Men in Blue take on the United States of America (USA) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Jasprit Bumrah unavailable
Team India has already suffered one setback, with Harshit Rana ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury. Jasprit Bumrah won’t be available for the India vs USA match either, as he’s down with viral fever. Mohammed Siraj, who came in for Harshit, will be India’s second pacer alongside Arshdeep Singh.
“Unfortunately, Bumrah is not well, so Siraj is playing,” Suryakumar Yadav said after losing the toss.
No place for Sanju Samson
India’s T20I captain also confirmed what was already expected, that Sanju Samson will warm the bench. Ishan Kishan had outperformed him in the New Zealand series. He also opened and kept wickets in the warm-up match against South Africa on February 4. In the pre-match presser, Suryakumar had hinted at Samson’s exclusion and well, that’s what has happened.
Washington Sundar isn’t fit for selection either, since he hasn’t recovered from his side injury. Kuldeep Yadav doesn’t fit into India’s current balance, with only one frontline spinner playing in Varun Chakaravarthy.
“We were looking to bat first. The wicket looks good; there is wind around, so we don’t expect dew. It’s alive even before the game starts, and I am sure it is going to be even better. We have Washi missing out, Sanju missing out,” Suryakumar added.
India Playing XI vs USA, T20 World Cup 2026 opener
Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel (vc), Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Siraj
Bench: Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar
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