IND vs USA Playing 11: Defending champions India kick off their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign tonight against the United States of America (USA) at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, with eyes on their playing XI amid fitness concerns and selection debates.
Under captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir, the team is expected to field a balanced lineup emphasizing aggressive batting, versatile all-rounders, and a potent spin attack tailored to the venue's conditions.
IND vs USA Team News, Playing 11
Opening the innings, explosive left-hander Abhishek Sharma is likely to partner Ishan Kishan, who doubles as wicketkeeper. This duo provides a fiery start, with Kishan's recent form edging out Sanju Samson, who may be benched despite his inclusion in the squad.
At No. 3, Tilak
Varma returns after recovering from a minor niggle, offering stability and left-handed flair. Captain Suryakumar Yadav anchors at No. 4, known for his 360-degree strokeplay, followed by vice-captain Hardik Pandya at No. 5, whose all-round abilities add depth.
The middle order features power-hitters Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh, with Dube's seam-bowling option providing flexibility. Axar Patel slots in at No. 7 as the primary spin-bowling all-rounder, capable of economical overs and handy contributions with the bat. In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh leads the pace attack with his swing and death-over expertise. Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss as Mohammed Siraj may replace him in the lineup.
For USA, Monak Patel will lead the team as Andries Gous and Shayan Jahangir are key pillars in the batting department. Saurabh Netravalkar will lead their bowling unit while all-rounders Harmeet Singh and Milind Kumar will have the dual role. USA are coming into this encounter as second favourites but they have shown that they can pack a punch above their weight, most recently in the T20 World Cup last time when they beat Pakistan.
India and USA T20 World Cup 2026 Squads
India: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar
United States of America: Monank Patel (c), Andries Gous (wk), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shayan Jahangir, Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Ali Khan, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Shehan Jayasuriya, Jasdeep Singh, Sanjay Krishnamurthi
India vs USA Predicted Lineups
India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy.
USA: Monank Patel (c & wk), Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shayan Jahangir, Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Ali Khan, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-177104902795770968.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-177104753116157906.webp)
