Team India chief selector Ajit Agarkar opened up about young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence from the squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. Agarkar stated that Jaiswal was part of the previous World Cup but has missed out this time as the selectors focused on finding the best overall combination.

The young left-handed opener has not been selected in India’s 15-member squad despite performing well for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has been out of the T20I setup for some time, even before the current group of players, including Abhishek Sharma, became first-choice options for the team.

Nobody Is Talking About Yashasvi Jaiswal Suddenly - Ajit Agarkar

Ajit Agarkar said that Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion was not a sudden call. With only 15 slots available, the selectors had to leave out several strong contenders, including players who featured in the previous World Cup. Agarkar stated that the focus was always on settling on the right combination.

"Nobody is talking about Jaiswal suddenly. He is another guy who was in the last World Cup, he is missing out as well. At the end of the day you are looking at the best combination to give you the best chance, and this is what we have settled with. Whether it is decided today, yesterday, or 1 week earlier, it does not really matter," Agarkar said during the T20 World Cup squad selection press conference (via Jio Hotstar).

Look at agarkar's reaction, he's even shocked. It's really important to keep journalists in your pockets these days. pic.twitter.com/buyVKFJhwE

https://t.co/k1bNgGLEG1

— 🎤 (@elonkimaaka) December 20, 2025

India Continue to Reshape Opening Options as Yashasvi Jaiswal Misses Out Again

India have experimented with different opening combinations in recent series, including pairing Abhishek Sharma with Shubman Gill, but Gill was unable to fully grab his chances. As a result, the team has continued to reshuffle its top-order options.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was part of the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he didn’t get a chance in the playing XI. The left-handed batter is set to miss the upcoming edition. Although he has shown his quality whenever given opportunities, he has not been able to secure a regular place in the side.

Yashasvi Jaiswal last featured in T20Is during the Sri Lanka tour in mid-2024. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have reduced his chances of a comeback. Ishan Kishan enjoyed a strong domestic season and led his state side to a tournament title, which has helped him secure a place in the squad.

Team India to Kickstart T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign Against USA on February 7

India’s middle order will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Tilak Varma also included, while Jitesh Sharma has missed out. The team has gone heavy on all-rounders, picking Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya to add balance and depth to both batting and bowling.

In the spin department, India have trusted Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

India will start their title defence on February 7 with a Group A match against the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium. Their group also includes Pakistan, Namibia, and the Netherlands.