India Playing XI against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in February and March. Middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav will captain the side, with Axar Patel named vice-captain after Shubman Gill was left out of the squad.

The selectors confirmed that the same squad will play the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand starting on January 21 at home. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Suryakumar Yadav finalized the squad during a meeting at the BCCI headquarters before announcing it at a press conference.

Team India will open their T20 World Cup campaign at the Wankhede Stadium against the United States (USA) national cricket team before facing Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands in the group stage. The marquee clash against Pakistan will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium on February 15.

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India Playing XI - Batters: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are set to open the batting. Samson handles wicketkeeping duties. The Kerala batter, who struggled after being demoted from the top earlier, showed improvement in the final T20I against South Africa with a strong opening stand alongside Abhishek.

Tilak Varma has secured the No. 3 spot. He brings balance with his calm approach and ability to rotate the strike against spin. The middle order is built around captain Suryakumar Yadav.

With the main roles locked in, Ishan Kishan remains the backup option if changes are needed due to form or fitness. India have clarity in their batting order in the playing XI.

All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube

Hardik Pandya brings balance with his fast bowling and big hitting at the end of the innings. Shivam Dube is picked for his power-hitting, with his seam bowling acting as extra support.

Axar Patel adds control with his left-arm spin and can score useful runs down the order. His calm presence and leadership make him very important, especially on slower pitches at home.

These three all-rounders also played key roles in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win. Hardik Pandya returned to form in the South Africa series with wickets and quick runs, while Shivam Dube has improved his bowling since the Australia tour.

India also have options like Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh, but they are likely to stay on the bench unless changes are needed.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

India are likely to go with a strong spin attack because the T20 World Cup will be played in India and Sri Lanka. The team management is expected to use both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy to take advantage of subcontinent conditions and trouble opposition batters.

In pace bowling, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh remain the main weapons. The pair played a key role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win and are trusted again to handle both the powerplay and death overs with control and experience.

With this bowling combination, India look well prepared to use home conditions wisely and defend their T20 World Cup title in 2026.

Also read: Nathan Lyon suffers hamstring injury on final day in Adelaide; Ashes future in doubt