India's Probable Playing 11 for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Samson IN Kishan OUT?

The stage is set for the T20 World Cup 2026 as India announces its squad, sparking excitement and debate after vice-captain Shubman Gill was dropped just before the tournament. Team India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who takes charge as captain for the first time in a global T20 event will be keen to create history by defending their T20 World Cup title.

Fondly remembered for his iconic mid-on catch that sealed the 2024 title, Suryakumar steps into the leadership role following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the shortest format. The tournament features four groups of five teams, with India placed in Group A alongside Namibia, Netherlands, USA, and arch-rivals Pakistan.

India Playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026 (Probable)

India T20 World Cup 2026 Playing 11 has become one of the most talked-about topics, with many opinions floating around. Based on recent matches and statements from captain Suryakumar Yadav, an expected 11 has started to take shape.

Abhishek Sharma is likely to open the innings, but his opening partner in the recently concluded T20 series against the Black Caps, Sanju Samson, might get dropped because of his poor performance.

One of the best wicket-keepers in India, Ishan Kishan, who scored a brilliant century in the last match and will also take the wicketkeeping duties, is expected to open the innings. With Tilak Varma’s availability confirmed, the middle order looks even more formidable alongside India captain for T20 World Cup 2026, Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya. One of the most dangerous batsmen in the world, Rinku Singh, is set to anchor the finishing role, while Shivam Dube adds explosive power down the order. The bowling attack is well-rounded, led by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, with Varun Chakravarthy adding mystery spin to complete the unit.

Key Players for India in T20 World Cup 2026

As the T20 World Cup 2026 is just a week away, India’s squad features some match-winners ready to defend their title. Abhishek Sharma, one of the best T20 batsmen in the world, is currently in sublime form, and his performances could determine the Indian team’s fate in this mega event. Recently, he registered the 2nd fastest half-century by an Indian batter, scoring 68 runs in just 20 deliveries. We could see a change at the top of the order, with Ishan Kishan taking on the wicket-keeping role for the entire tournament. After scoring a blistering century in his last match, his place in the playing 11 is almost certain.

Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s spearhead in the bowling attack, leading the pace department with skill and precision. His 4-overs are the biggest threat to any opponent's batting line-up. These 3 players will be the key players for the Men in Blue for the upcoming ICC event.

Indian Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

The squad of the Indian team is full of T20-specific players, from attacking batters to death-over specialists. Here is the full squad of Team India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy