Some of India’s players are all set to receive major rewards, while some are expected for a heartbreak, as the senior selection committee is all set to meet on Saturday (December 20) afternoon to finalize the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Shubman Gill’s position in the T20I side is under serious threat following his string of poor performances.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is not expected to make shocking changes, but a few important names are set to be discussed before the final squad is announced for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. India already has a settled squad in the format.

Shubman Gill’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 spot under threat

Since Suryakumar Yadav became captain, the team has been winning the T20I series consistently, so the core group is expected to remain unchanged for next year’s mega event. However, Gill, Washington Sundar, and Rinku Singh will be part of the major discussion at the meeting.

As reported by the Indian Express, only a few changes are expected in India’s T20Is squad for the upcoming showpiece event at home and in Sri Lanka. Gill’s recent form has become the main concern for the selectors. He was promoted to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma.

This move pushed Sanju Samson, who was on fire as an opener, down the order, and Gill struggled to make the same impact from that position. Since returning to the T20 setup in September, the Indian captain’s highest score has been 47 across 15 innings.

Selection Committee likely to give final chance to Shubman Gill

Since the Australia tour, Gill registered scores of 37 not out, 5, 15, 46, 29 not out, 4, 0, and 8—these numbers have raised concerns while Suryakumar has also been struggling, making things tough for the selectors. With Gill under the scanner, other options are being discussed.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is waiting for a chance, while Ishan Kishan has pushed his case strongly by scoring a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. The report suggested that there is a view among the selectors that Gill’s poor starts leave Abhishek with too much responsibility to attack early.

They feel having another aggressive opener like Jaiswal or Ishan could help the Men in Blue make better use of the powerplay. Still, Gill is likely to be given more time, with five more T20Is against New Zealand coming up before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Despite the Punjab lad’s poor form, the selectors are not keen to make a late change. They also feel it would be unfair to drop him so close to the tournament, especially when he has been part of the long-term plans.

Rinku Singh vs Washington Sundar as India selectors face key decision

The selectors will also discuss the Rinku Singh vs Washington Sundar debate. If the selectors decide to stick with the Asia Cup 2026 squad, they will need to choose one of Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar. Rinku was left out of the recent five-match T20I series against South Africa, with Washington preferred because of his all-round abilities.

If the team goes with an extra specialist batter, Rinku could come in as cover, especially with Gill and Suryakumar struggling with the bat. It is also being said that three spinners and one extra batter can be picked for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

If the selectors believe Hardik Pandya and Jitesh Sharma can handle the finishing role, Washington’s inclusion is all but confirmed, as the conditions will suit him more and he provides the better balance, leaving Rinku out of the picture.

Rinku Singh has a chance. Team management is keen to go with the squad which won the Asia Cup. If this happens then Washington Sundar won’t find a place. https://t.co/00sooqTOvv

— Devendra Pandey (@pdevendra) December 19, 2025

Pace attack confirmed for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana are set to lead the pace attack, while Pandya and Dube will provide all-round strength. The team is also expected to continue with two wicketkeepers, backing Samson and Jitesh for the T20 World Cup.