India’s wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan expressed his delight on being named in the Indian squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The 15-man squad, announced on Saturday by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, is captained by Suryakumar Yadav, with Axar Patel returning as vice-captain. Shubman Gill was dropped amid fitness and form concerns.
Kishan returns to the side after last representing India in a T20I against Australia in late 2023. His selection comes on the back of a remarkable campaign for Jharkhand in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he was the top run-scorer and led the team to their maiden title.
Speaking to ANI, Kishan said, “I am very happy. Also very happy for my domestic team, Jharkhand, on winning their maiden SMAT trophy! Everyone played really well!” His performance in SMAT was exceptional, scoring 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44, including two centuries and two fifties, with a strike rate exceeding 197.
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Kishan’s heroics included a century in the final against Haryana, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. This dominant performance has not only secured his place in the national squad but also strengthened India’s wicketkeeping and batting options for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, present at the announcement, explained that Shubman Gill was omitted as the team was exploring alternative combinations at the top of the order, while emphasizing that Gill remains a world-class player. The squad reflects a balance of experience, youth, and all-rounders to tackle diverse conditions in the tournament.
India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan (wk). The team will also tour New Zealand for a T20I series ahead of the World Cup.
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