New Delhi: Indian cricket fans are in for a major update as the defending champions gear up to retain their title at the T20 World Cup 2026. With stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from T20 internationals, the team will take the field under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy in a refreshed lineup.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the 15-member squad shortly after India’s decisive T20 clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad today, 19 December. Reports suggest that the final announcement may come on Saturday, 20 December 2025, through a press conference led by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. While the ICC’s official deadline is 8 January 2026, the board aims to give players ample time to mentally prepare for the mega event.
New Leadership, New Team Dynamics
This will mark India’s first major tournament under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. With the retirement of Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja, the team’s structure has undergone a significant change. Yadav will captain the side, while Shubman Gill could be appointed vice-captain despite current injury concerns. Gill’s inclusion, however, is widely expected as a key member of the squad.
Players Likely to Feature in the Squad
The 15-member squad is anticipated to largely mirror the team that played in the ongoing South Africa series and the upcoming New Zealand tour. Probable batting and all-rounder selections include Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube. Wicketkeeping duties are likely to go to Jitesh Sharma, who has recently outperformed Sanju Samson, though Samson could also make the cut.
The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy.
Selection Challenges and Hosting Pressure
Selectors face key concerns ahead of the announcement, notably the form of captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, who has crossed 30 runs only three times since the 2025 Asia Cup. Competition for the middle order, particularly between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, adds to the selection dilemma.
The T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With India playing on home soil, the defending champions will face added pressure to retain the title. The series against South Africa, followed by the New Zealand tour, will serve as the team’s final preparation before the tournament.
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