Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has unveiled his predicted 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka. Chopra’s selection reflects a strategic shift toward multi-skilled utility players and the inclusion of mystery spin options.
His squad is heavily influenced by recent performances in the South Africa T20I series. While the core group from the 2024 T20 setup remains intact, Chopra’s analysis points to notable changes in leadership
dynamics and the finisher roles that have long shaped India’s T20 identity.
A key talking point in Chopra’s assessment is the uncertainty surrounding the vice-captaincy, currently held by Shubman Gill. Although Gill features in the squad as a specialist opener, Chopra questioned his long-term suitability for a leadership role, citing recent fitness concerns and a decline in his T20I strike rate. He suggested that the selectors could consider reinstating Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, serving as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav.
“The fact is that Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson will be the three openers part of this team. I have picked Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper and an opening option. Abhishek Sharma, let’s not talk about it, because I feel he could be the highest run-scorer of the World Cup,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“If you are wondering why Shubman Gill has been picked, if you have appointed someone the vice-captain, you won’t pivot that soon. I am not going to put my neck on the line and say that Shubman only will be the vice-captain. The team might leave the vice-captain slot open, or they might appoint Hardik Pandya just to keep their options open,” he added.
Chopra’s decision to include Washington Sundar ahead of specialist finisher Rinku Singh sparked considerable debate. He acknowledged that the Indian team management currently prioritises utility over pure specialisation, particularly on subcontinental pitches where an additional bowling option can prove decisive.
While Chopra praised Rinku’s elite striking ability at the death, he argued that Sundar’s value lies in his versatility, especially his ability to bowl effectively in the powerplay while also adding batting depth to the lower order. Along similar lines, Chopra backed Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube, citing their secondary bowling skills and their proven ability to dismantle spin during the middle overs.
“After that, one more wicketkeeper will be required. You need a minimum of two wicketkeepers in the squad. So you have to keep Jitesh Sharma in the team. After that, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. These all-rounders should be locked. These three are 100 percent part of the team. Even if Sanju opens, you will have to play Jitesh because this team has started giving preference to Washington Sundar. I think it’s a toss-up whether to take Rinku or Washi. The team feels they won’t be able to use Rinku at all, so they should keep Washi,” said Chopra.
Chopra largely resisted tinkering with the bowling attack, retaining a familiar core. He included Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh as the frontline pace options, while Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav were selected as the specialist spinners.
“After that, Jasprit Bumrah. Let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Arshdeep Singh, let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Then Varun Chakaravarthy. There is no discussion. Why should we waste your and my time? I feel Varun Chakaravarthy could be the highest wicket-taker of this tournament. After that, you have to keep Kuldeep Yadav in the team. You are giving yourselves options. Then only one slot is left. You can pick any fast bowler there. So I am keeping Harshit Rana there. He also provides a batting option at No. 8,” Chopra concluded.
Aakash Chopra’s 15-member squad for T20 World Cup:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav
