The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the home T20I series against New Zealand next month. The biggest surprise is the dropping of Shubman Gill from both squads on Saturday, December 20.

Gill has not only been removed as vice-captain but has also been dropped from the T20I squad completely. Additionally, the star wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was also dropped, with Ishan Kishan making a return after more than two years away from the side.

No standby players as India announce ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Sanju Samson has been picked as the main wicketkeeper, while Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the side. Additionally, Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar have also been included, while the rest of the selections were not surprising at all.

The selection committee has also made another bold decision, as the BCCI confirmed that no standby players have been named for either the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 or the New Zealand series. Since both tournaments will be played in India, they felt players will be easily available if needed.

Suryakumar Yadav explains why no standby players were picked

With both tournaments being played at home, Devajit Saikia and Suryakumar believe that the player availability will not be an issue, and replacements can be managed if required.

The BCCI secretary said at the press conference, “The reason for this move is that both the tournaments will be played at India's home. No standby players for this squad. Since it's a home tournament, they (team management) don't want to name particular standby players.”

On the other hand, Captain Suryakumar said, “Right now we are not naming any stand-bys. The World Cup will be played in our country, and if need be, all the players would be ready.”

India gear up for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with 14-series unbeaten streak

Meanwhile, India will start the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the clear favorites, as the defending champions are currently the most consistent T20I team in the world. The Men in Blue have been placed in Group A along with Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States.

Their campaign will begin on February 7 in Mumbai against the USA. India will enter the tournament riding sky-rocketing confidence, having sealed their eighth T20I series win in a row. Their 30-run victory over South Africa in the final T20I in Ahmedabad on December 19 extended their unbeaten run to 14 straight T20I series wins.

Before the showpiece event, the two-time T20 World Cup champions will play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 11 in Vadodara. This home series will act as the final tune-up for the Men in Blue before the prestigous tournament.

India's squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and T20I Series against New Zealand:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Rinku Singh.