Former Indian opening batsman and renowned cricket analyst on December 19, 2025 Aakash Chopra took to his YouTube channel to unveil his projected 15-member squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026The tournament is scheduled to start on February 7, 2026 India And Sri LankaChopra’s selection highlights a strategic pivot towards multi-skilled utility players and mystery spin.
Aakash Chopra selects India’s team for T20 World Cup 2026
The form his team is currently looking at South Africa Series and historical high-scoring exploits Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) Last. While the core of the 2024 Championship team remains in place, Chopra’s latest analysis suggests significant changes to the leadership hierarchy and finisher roles that have defined India’s T20 identity.
Vice-captaincy conundrum: Hardik Pandya vs Shubman Gill
A major talking point in Chopra’s analysis was the uncertainty over the vice-captaincy, a role currently held by Shubman GillWhile Chopra included Gill in his team as a specialist opening batsman, he expressed doubts about his longevity in leadership capacity due to recent fitness issues and declining T20I scoring rates, Chopra suggested that the selectors may come back hardik pandya To serve as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav,
“The truth is that Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson will be the three openers in this team. I have selected Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper and an opening option. Abhishek Sharma, let’s not talk about it, because I think he can be the highest run-scorer in the World Cup.” Chopra said.
“If you are wondering why Shubman Gill has been selected, if you have appointed someone as vice-captain, you will not make a change so quickly. I will not bend my neck and say that Shubman will be the vice-captain. The team can leave the vice-captain spot open, or they can appoint Hardik Pandya to keep their options open.” The former Indian cricketer added.
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Tactical Toss-up: Why did Washington Sundar beat Rinku Singh?
In a move that sparked significant debate among fans, Chopra chose washington beautiful over special finisher Rinku Singh For the last place in his 15 he argued that the current philosophy of team management favors utility over expertise, especially on subcontinent pitches where an additional bowling option is important.
Chopra explained. He said that while Rinku’s striking ability is elite, Sundar’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and provide depth to the left-handed bat at number eight offers more tactical manoeuvres. This utility-first approach is reflected in his middle-order selections, where Tilak Verma And Shivam Dubey He was recognized as a “100 per cent lock” due to his secondary bowling skills and ability to eliminate spin in the middle overs.
“After that, another wicketkeeper will be required. You need at least two wicketkeepers in the team. So you have to keep Jitesh Sharma in the team. After that, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dubey. These all-rounders should be locked in. These three are 100 per cent part of the team. Even if Sanju opens, you will have to play Jitesh because this team has started giving preference to Washington Sundar. I think it is a big matter whether to take Rinku or Vashi. The team feels that they will not be able to use Rinku at all, so they should keep Washi. Said the cricketer turned commentator.
Bowling blueprint: Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana as game-changers
Chopra’s bowling unit for the 2026 World Cup is built on a “non-negotiable” trio of pace and mystery, including Varun Chakraborty It is considered to be the most lethal weapon of the tournament.
“After that, Jasprit Bumrah. Let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Arshdeep Singh, don’t discuss. Why waste time? Then Varun Chakravarthy. There is no discussion. Why should we waste your and my time? I think Varun Chakravarthy can be the highest wicket-taker of this tournament. After that, you have to keep Kuldeep Yadav in the team. You are giving yourself options. Then there is only one spot left. You can choose any fast bowler there. Can. That’s why I’m keeping Harshit Rana.” There he also provides the option of batting at number 8.” Chopra concluded.
Aakash Chopra’s 15-member Indian team for T20 World Cup 2026:
- Opener: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
- Middle order: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Verma, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
- All-rounder: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Washington Sundar
- Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana
