Bumrah Out With Fever, Sanju Samson Dropped: India's Likely Playing XI For T20 World Cup 2026 Match Vs USA

India’s Likely Playing XI For T20 World Cup 2026 Match Vs USA:

Reigning champions India will begin their T20 World Cup title defence on Saturday, February 7, in Mumbai. In their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Men in Blue face the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium. However, India could suffer an early setback as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the game due to viral fever.

According to The Indian Express, Bumrah attended Friday’s training session at Wankhede but did not take part. If he sits out, Mohammed Siraj, who was added to the squad recently, is expected to share the new-ball duties with Arshdeep Singh.

At the top of the order, world No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma is set to open alongside

Ishan Kishan. The 27-year-old, who was part of India’s 2021 T20 World Cup squad, appears to have edged ahead of Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeper-batter’s slot. Samson was initially named as the first-choice keeper when the squad was announced on December 20, 2025, but struggled for runs in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand last month.

Ishan, meanwhile, grabbed his chances. He smashed 76 off 32 balls in the second T20I, followed it up with a 42-ball century in the fifth game on January 31, and then struck 53 off just 20 balls while opening in the warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4.

Tilak Varma, who missed the New Zealand series with injury, has regained fitness after featuring in the warm-up fixtures, including one for India A against the USA. The 23-year-old left-hander is expected to bat at No. 3, followed by captain Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order should feature Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube.

With the ball, world No. 1 T20I bowler Varun Chakaravarthy is likely to lead the spin attack. It remains to be seen whether Kuldeep Yadav gets the nod after picking up four wickets in three T20Is against New Zealand. His inclusion could mean Rinku Singh misses out.

India’s likely XI vs USA: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy.