Team India named their squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as they aim to become the first team to win three titles in the tournament.
The Indians will begin their campaign in the twenty-team biannual event with a Group A fixture against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. They will then play Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands to finishing their group stage run.
Unsurprisingly, Suryakumar Yadav has been announced as the captain of the side. However, the team re-appointed Axar Patel as the vice-captain, while Shubman Gill was dropped due to his poor form in the format. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan also made a comeback as the backup wicketkeeping option, with Sanju Samson being in the primary role and also the opening partner alongside Abhishek Sharma.
With not much time left for the global tournament, CricTracker analyses India's best playing combination that can help them lift the prestigious silverware, and also make them the first team to win a T20 World Cup at home.
Here's India's strongest Playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026
Top-order: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma
Abhishek Sharma is arguably among the strongest going batters in T20Is. He is ranked No. 1 in the ICC T20I Rankings for batters, courtesy of his hard-hitting prowess topped with consistency in the format. He will be opening alongside Sanju Samson, who is also going to be India's primary wicketkeeping option for the tournament. The duo will be aiming to provide solid starts to the Men in Blue, setting the tempo high early.
At No. 3, Southpaw Tilak Varma becomes the perfect option, as he has the ability to rack up a large amount of runs, take calculated risks, and eventually put up a big score on the board. He can take the game away from the opposition in no time, and will be the most vital cog in the batting unit, acting as a bridge between the top and the middle-order.
Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shivam Dube
Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper, will see himself batting at two-wickets down in the global tournament, as he himself confirmed at the time of squad announcement. This might also help the India skipper get a little more time to settle in the middle overs, as he has been out of form at the moment. He will make sure to find some rhythm before the tournament kicks in, as it would mean good news for both him and the team.
Shivam Dube, although a genuine all-rounder, has only been utilized by the Indian team as a specialist batter, chipping in with an over or two only when needed. He can play the perfect role of a pinch hitter and an anchor in the side, with his ability to score at a quick rate. If he gets going, he can take the game away from the opposition in no time, making himself a sure shot pick in the side.
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel
India have a deadly troika of all-rounder — Hardik, Shivam, and vice-captain Axar, with all three of them being in tremendous form. Hardik had a couple of half-centuries in the series against South Africa, and also delivered crucial overs for the side, taking important breakthroughs.Shivam Dube is also expected to play a similar role like his senior colleague.
Axar Patel, on the other hand, acts as the most dynamic batting and bowling option in the Indian line-up. The Gujarat all-rounder can bowl cheap overs with the ball, make some useful contributions with the bat, while also putting his leadership mettle to good effect. If India's all-round department performs, they can beat any side in the world.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy
Last but not the least, the Indians will be carrying a fiery bowling line-up for the T20 World Cup, with Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh expected to bowl in the powerplay, as well as at the death. The duo can stem the flow of runs from the opposition and can enforce early pressure, resulting in quick breakthroughs for the side.
Kuldeep Yadav is a handy left-arm unorthodox spinner, a rarity in cricket. His googlies and flighted deliveries are enough to trap any kind of batting attack, but if that isn't enough, the Aligarh-born can also put a stoppage on the flow of runs, by taking wickets at regular intervals. He has been among the best bowlers for the Indian team across formats, and the management will be confident of him shining ahead, too.
Varun Chakravarthy, on the other hand, has been proving himself time and again with his skilled mystery spin bowling. He was the Player of the Series in the five T20Is against South Africa, and will hope to carry that form in 2026 as well. He is a bankable option, with a rare ability to fox the batters with his variations. All-in-all, the Men in Blue look set to defend their title from 2024 with this unit.
India Strongest Playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
