New Delhi: India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to be announced in the first week of January, with the selection committee likely to reveal the team alongside the squad for the five match T20I series against New Zealand. The upcoming series will serve as India’s final international assignment before the World Cup, making it a crucial step in finalising combinations and leadership roles.
The squad chosen for the New Zealand T20Is is expected to be identical to the one selected for the T20 World Cup, underlining the importance of the series as a direct lead up to the global event. The World Cup is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8, with matches spread across five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka.
India will begin their World Cup campaign on February 7 in Mumbai against the United States. Their second Group A fixture is slated for February 12 against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The team will then face Sri Lanka on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo before concluding the group stage against the Netherlands on February 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Suryakumar Yadav is set to continue as captain of India’s T20I side despite facing scrutiny over his recent batting form. His leadership record in the shortest format has been impressive, and the selectors are unlikely to make a change at the top so close to a major tournament.
There is, however, greater uncertainty surrounding the vice captaincy. Shubman Gill, who currently leads India in Tests and ODIs, has struggled for consistency in T20 internationals, raising questions about his place in the squad. With performance being a key selection criterion ahead of the World Cup, his position is under close watch.
If Gill fails to secure a spot, the door could open for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was part of India’s title winning T20 World Cup squad in 2024. The upcoming New Zealand series is therefore expected to play a decisive role, not only in confirming India’s final World Cup squad but also in shaping the team’s balance and leadership structure ahead of the marquee event.
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