Sunil Gavaskar predicts India's Playing 11 vs USA in T20 World Cup 2026

Indian Cricket legend Sir Sunil Gavaskar has put forward what is clearly a bold and youthful predicted Playing XI for the India team where it comes to their maiden and important clash against the USA in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In doing so, the iconic India batter, a giant of Test match cricket, seems to have placed an emphasis on fearlessness, flexibility, and all-round depth. These, without us much of a doubt, seem to be the essential traits of the current Indian side. As a matter of fact, the team that will soon begin its campaign in the T20 World Cup will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who recently rediscovered form.

It’s a team that’ll come to rest heavy on the free stroking batter’s innovative stroke play and calm leadership. Importantly,

qualities that make him an ideal T20 captain.

Now, what’s evident in Sir Gavaskar’s analysis is that right up top is none other than the dangerous Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, another who’s just recently found his groove in the shortest format. Their idea of batting together is to provide explosive starts to India, while Tilak Varma adds stability in the middle order.

Then there’s the undoubtably and pivotal presence of Rinku Singh. A talent whose availability strengthens India’s finishing power, supported by the experience and all-round skills of Hardik Pandya.

In Gavaskar’s team, the important lower middle order features Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, the idea perceptibly being to ensure balance with their dual abilities.

Also Read | Tilak Verma To Play India vs USA Warm-up Match Today (2 February) in the T20 World Cup 2026

The bowling attack is spearheaded by world-class pacer Jasprit Bumrah, such a class act alongside left-arm speedster Arshdeep Singh and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy.

Overall, Gavaskar’s XI blends youth and experience, reflecting a modern T20 approach built around aggression, adaptability, and match-winners in every department. If there’s a team that is a sure shot contender at clinching another World Cup crown, then it is this current Indian side. With the great India legend having shared his team, what are your thoughts?

• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain- batter
• Abhishek Sharma – Aggressive opening batter
• Ishan Kishan – Wicketkeeper-batter and opener
• Tilak Varma – Dependable middle-order batter
• Rinku Singh – Proven finisher
• Hardik Pandya – Fast-bowling all-rounder
• Shivam Dube – Power-hitting all-rounder
• Axar Patel – Spin-bowling all-rounder
• Jasprit Bumrah – Main fast bowler
• Arshdeep Singh – Left-arm pace bowler
• Varun Chakravarthy – Mystery spinner