The BCCI has officially revealed India’s team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with Suryakumar Yadav taking the role of captain and Axar Patel as vice-captain. This announcement took place at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on December 20, 2025, during a press conference hosted by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Yadav.
BCCI reveals India lineup for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the 15-player team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. This announcement followed a selection meeting held in Mumbai, which was attended by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Ajit Agarkar, speaking at the press conference held at the Wankhede Stadium, confirmed, “Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in the T20 World Cup 2026, with Axar Patel as his deputy. The squad has been chosen keeping in mind the balance of experience and youth, and the team’s recent performances in T20 internationals.”
Players selected for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The 15-player roster prioritizes explosive batting, spin variety, and death-over expertise, tailored for Indian pitches. Here’s the complete lineup:
- Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
- Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper)
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Shivam Dube
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel (vice-captain)
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
BCCI emphasizes continuity and fresh energy in team selection for 2026
As the defending champions, India is gearing up for the 2026 edition, having taken home the T20 World Cup in 2024. This squad, however, signifies a shift in generations. After their 2024 win, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20 internationals, leaving the leadership to the next wave of players.
Playing XI for T20 World Cup looks like this now
Sanju Samson 🧤
Abhishek Sharma
Tilak Varma
Surya Kumar Yadav (C)
Hardik Pandya
Shivam Dube
Rinku Singh
Axar Patel
Arshdeep Singh
Varun Chakravarthy
Jasprit BumrahHarshit Rana
Kuldeep Yadav
Ishan Kishan
Washi Sundar pic.twitter.com/cHoEAjcmRy— Drop_in cricket (@drop_incricket) December 20, 2025
The BCCI highlighted how crucial it is to have continuity along with new energy. Ajit Agarkar mentioned this during the press conference, “We are confident in the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. His performances and ability to inspire the team have been crucial. Axar Patel’s role as vice-captain reflects his consistency and value as an all-rounder.”
Axar Patel appointed vice captain blending youth and experience in squad
India is set to kick off their campaign against the USA on February 7, 2026, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and then they’ll face Namibia in Delhi on February 12, 2026.
The tournament is set to go on until March 8, 2026, and India is looking to be the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title successfully.
India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been announced, marking a fresh chapter for the Men in Blue. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the way and Axar Patel as his right-hand man, the team is a mix of youthful talent and seasoned players. The BCCI’s press conference in Mumbai kicked off India’s journey, as the defending champions gear up to make history once more.
