Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced a 15-member Indian squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International series against New Zealand as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain, with all-rounder Axar Patel appointed vice-captain. The squad features Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh in the batting and all-rounder departments.
The bowling unit includes Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, while Washington Sundar adds further all-round depth. Ishan Kishan has also been recalled to the side.
The selection was followed by a press conference at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. Addressing the omission of Shubman Gill, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the decision was based on current form, noting that the team opted for a different combination.
On Kishan’s return to the squad, Agarkar said the wicketkeeper-batter has been performing well and continues to be viewed as a top-order option in white-ball cricket.
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (WK).
