On December 20, 2025, BCCI officially announced the 15-member squad that will defend India’title of t20 world cup 2026Co-hosted by India And Sri Lankaled by Suryakumar YadavThe squad reflects a largely youth-driven change, rewarding explosive domestic form and elite roles over seniority.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 team led by Suryakumar Yadav
the return of Ishan Kishan After their domestic talent and promotion Akshar Patel The vice-captain should define this new-age team. This team is built on the philosophy of intent from the first ball, with players like power-hitters Abhishek Sharma And Tilak Verma With the world’s top ranked T20 bowler, Varun Chakraborty,
main selector Ajit Agarkar It was emphasized that selection was based on tactical combinations rather than just individual statistics, ensuring that the team had multiple bowling options and left-right batting pairs. The defending champions enter the tournament with a mix of established match winners. Jasprit Bumrah And like raw, high-speed talent Harshit RanaHowever, the 2026 roster marks the end of an era, as many of the legends and stars who were part of the 2024 World Cup-winning team have either retired or left to make way for this new generation,
7 Indian players who played in T20 World Cup 2024 but will not play in the 2026 edition
Barbados’ victory in the 2026 squad has seen the absence of several key figures. Here are the details of the players who helped India win in 2024 but are missing from this title defence:
1. Rohit Sharma (Retired)
The winning captain of 2024 lost at the extreme end. After leading India to the title in Barbados, Rohit retired from T20Is as the highest run-scorer in the history of the format at that time. His absence leaves a void in leadership and power at the top.
2. Virat Kohli (Retired)
following him “Player of the Match” After the performance in the 2024 final, Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is. They decided to focus on the longer formats (ODIs and Tests), meaning the 2026 World Cup will be the first T20 mega-event without the “King” since 2010.
3. Ravindra Jadeja (Retired)
The experienced all-rounder retired from T20Is along with Rohit and Kohli. The management has completely changed now Akshar Patel And washington beautiful To fill the spin-bowling all-rounder slot that Jadeja had occupied for over a decade.
Also read: Why was Shubman Gill left out of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad? Ajit Agarkar tells
4. Rishabh Pant (Omitted/Tactical Changes)
In the biggest tactical blow, Rishabh Pant was left out of the 15-man squad. Selectors gave priority to early explosive ability sanju samson And Ishan KishanNoting that they wanted a “wicketkeeper who can bat at the top of the order”.
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Omitted)
Despite being a regular in 2024, Jaiswal missed out as selectors favored all-out attacking style Abhishek SharmaThe decision was based on finding the right combination for the wicketkeeper-opening partnership,
6. Mohammed Siraj (Omitted)
Leading fast bowler Siraj loses his place in the 2024 campaign Harshit RanaThe selectors picked out Rana’s raw pace and his ability to contribute with the bat lower down the order, as well as specialist skills, Arshdeep Singh,
7. Yuzvendra Chahal (Omitted)
Chahal, who did not get any games in the 2024 tournament, has finally been left behind Varun ChakrabortyWith Chakravarthy currently ranked as the world No, 1 T20 bowler, Chahal’s path back into the team has been effectively blocked,
Also read: Fans left shocked as BCCI drops Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
