All You Need to Know About the Major Changes Expected as India Prepares to Name T20 World Cup Squad

The Indian men’s selection committee is expected to retain stability when it announces the 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup in Mumbai on December 20. Despite prolonged dips in form for skipper Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill, the selectors are unlikely to make disruptive changes with the global tournament less than two months away.

India in Group A

India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States, and opens its campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will still have the flexibility to alter the squad until the start of the tournament.

Suryakumar Remains The Captain

Suryakumar, 35, has gone through a lean spell lasting nearly 14 months across 24 T20Is, but continues as captain. Officials believe the short lead-up to the World Cup, coupled with Gill’s recent struggles, makes leadership changes impractical at this stage. Had the tournament been further away, discussions around a new captain might have surfaced.

The squad picked for the New Zealand T20 series,to be announced simultaneously, is expected to mirror the World Cup group. While there has been scrutiny over Gill’s position, Yashasvi Jaiswal remains the most consistent contender waiting outside the main fifteen. His inclusion as a standby or extra player for the New Zealand leg remains possible.

What Else You Need to Know

The second wicketkeeper spot continues to favour Sanju Samson, with Jitesh Sharma locked in as the first-choice stumper and late-overs hitter. Among all-rounders, Washington Sundar remains under review, though team management values his bowling utility in this format.

On paper, India’s core group, dominated by established IPL performers, appears strong. However, the form of two of the top three batters remains a clear concern as the team moves into its final preparation phase.