Contrary to the expectations, the BCCI has chopped and changed India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. It was expected to be the same bunch of players that were involved in the series against South Africa. However, a major change has taken place, with Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh coming in and Jitesh Sharma and Shubman Gill getting axed.
Ishan Kishan rewarded for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win
Ishan Kishan wasn’t part of India’s T20I plans in recent times. In fact, it looked like he is below in the pecking order that involved Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and Rishabh Pant among the keepers. But here he comes, straight into the 15-member squad for a home T20 World Cup.
Although both Ajit Agarkar and Suryakumar Yadav have mentioned and used the word, ‘combinations’ for Gill’s exclusion and Kishan’s inclusion, his performances at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) played it’s part as well.
Kishan not only guided Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title with an unbeaten record, he also ended up as the highest run-getter with 517 runs along with 33 sixes (also the highest) at a strike rate of 197.32. This, alongside the failure of Shubman Gill as an opener in T20Is, has propelled Kishan to a surprising callup.
Heartbreak for Jitesh Sharma
For two consecutive T20 World Cups, Jitesh Sharma is overlooked. While his form dropped at the IPL 2024, this time he did nothing wrong. Despite few opportunities, he has operated at a SR of almost 160 and is one of the few finishers in the country.
As Sanju Samson would now walk back into the opening role after Gill’s axe, India have compromised Jitesh’s place for Rinku Singh, who provides a left-hand option as well.
Rinku was a regular fixture in T20Is in 2022-2024 and was fantastic in the role. However, India’s obsession with multi skilled players regulated his appearances in recent times. But now, it is a moment of redemption for Rinku Singh, who was excluded in T20 World Cup 2024 squad when India chose Shivam Dube over him.
As for Kishan, he would be the third-choice opener after Samson and Abhishek Sharma, and also a secondary wicketkeeper. Well, as a batter, Kishan is also having a great Ranji Trophy season, having scored 246 runs at an average of 82 so far.
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh
Ishan Kishan SMAT stats
- Runs: 517
- Innings: 10
- Average: 57.44
- Strike rate: 197.33
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