Is India's T20 World Cup Squad About to Spark a Selection Storm?
The cricket world is buzzing with anticipation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to unveil the national squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. But here's where it gets controversial: Will Shubman Gill retain his spot, and what does this mean for Sanju Samson?
Last Updated: December 19, 2025, 16:26 IST
The BCCI senior men’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is set to make some tough calls on Saturday, December 20, in Mumbai. The T20 World Cup, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026, across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka, demands a squad that can handle the pressure of the shortest format. Meanwhile, the New Zealand series, starting on January 21 in Nagpur and concluding on January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram, will serve as a crucial warm-up.
The Gill Dilemma: To Keep or Not to Keep?
Shubman Gill, India’s T20I vice-captain, has had a lackluster year, failing to cross the 50-run mark in 15 T20I matches in 2025. His recent performances—4(2), 0(1), and 28(28) against South Africa—have drawn sharp criticism. Yet, his position in the squad seems relatively secure. But here’s the twist: If the selectors decide to take a bold step, Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan could step in. Jaiswal, a member of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, has been out of the T20I scene since July 2024 but recently shone in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), scoring a century for Mumbai. Kishan, on the other hand, topped the run charts in SMAT 2025 with 517 runs, including a century in the final. While Kishan’s inclusion is unlikely, he offers both opening and wicketkeeping options.
Sanju Samson: The Missing Piece?
Sanju Samson, a key player in the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, might miss out this time. Ishan Kishan, with his left-handed batting and wicketkeeping skills, could be his direct replacement. Meanwhile, spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was preferred over Rinku Singh for the South Africa series but hasn’t played yet, faces an uncertain future. If Sundar is dropped, Rinku or Nitish Kumar Reddy could get the nod.
The Certainties and the Probables
Suryakumar Yadav, despite his recent form slump, is likely to retain the captaincy, given the team’s success under his leadership. The selectors will hope he finds his rhythm before the World Cup. World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, Asia Cup hero Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and bowlers Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah are almost certain to be included. Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma are also strong contenders.
The Burning Question: Who Makes the Cut?
As the selection committee weighs its options, the cricket fraternity is divided. Should Gill be given another chance, or is it time for fresh blood? And what about Samson—is his exclusion justified, or is it a missed opportunity? The likely squad, as speculated, includes:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Shubman Gill
- Ishan Kishan
- Rinku Singh
But here’s the part most people miss: The final squad could still surprise us. With the selectors known for their strategic thinking, will they prioritize experience or take a gamble on form? What’s your take? Do you think Gill deserves another chance, or should Jaiswal or Kishan get the nod? And is Samson’s exclusion fair? Let’s spark a debate in the comments below!
