Ravichandran Ashwin picks KL Rahul and Vaibhav Suryavanshi as India’s new T20I opening pair

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has selected a completely fresh-looking India T20I squad based on its performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). However, it was the explosive opening combination of Ashwin, KL Rahul and Vaibhav Suryavanshi that caught everyone’s attention.

Ashwin’s selection went viral as he ignored many senior names and relied on young IPL stars and in-form performers. As India look to usher in a fearless new generation ahead of the next cycle, the former all-rounder has turned to the selectors to make their job easier.

Ravichandran Ashwin picks KL Rahul and Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the new opening pair for India

Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo, Ravichandran Ashwin picked KL Rahul and Vaibhav Suryavanshi as India’s new opening pair. Rahul has been in great form for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing IPL 2026, scoring 468 runs at an average of 46.80 and a strike rate of 180.

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Vaibhav has become one of the biggest breakout stars of IPL 2026 for Rajasthan Royals. The young sensation has already scored over 400 runs at an average of 40 and a strike rate of over 237. Then, the former off-spinner chose Devdutt Padikkal at number three.

The stylish left-handed batsman has scored more than 2122 runs in his IPL career so far. Padikkal has also been sensational for RCB this season, scoring over 300 runs at an impressive strike rate of over 180 and an average of almost 40.

At number four, Ashwin supports Shreyas Iyer, who has been one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen for Punjab Kings this season with 333 runs at an average of 47.57 and a strike rate of 164.

Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy have got a place in Ashwin’s team.

The former Indian off-spinner replaced RCB skipper Rajat Patidar at number five after his aggressive performances this season, having so far scored 318 runs at an average of 39.75 and a strike rate of 162.57. After this Ashwin chose young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the lower middle order.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) star has enjoyed a stellar season with 222 runs at an average of around 32 and 7 wickets at an impressive strike rate of around 167. They have very few reliable all-rounders this season. Ashutosh Sharma was also selected after his impressive performances for Delhi Capitals. Ashutosh has scored 111 runs in 5 matches at an excellent strike rate of 163.

Meanwhile, Ashwin also picked RCB’s in-form all-rounder Krunal Pandya. RCB have mainly been using Pandya’s bowling this season, and he has been lethal with 10 wickets at an economy rate of less than 9.

Ashwin’s bowling attack was led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Prince Yadav.

In his bowling attack, Ashwin has relied on experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been sensational for RCB in the ongoing IPL 2026, taking 17 wickets at an average of 17.53 and an economy rate of less than 8.

Young fast bowler Prince Yadav also earned a place by becoming one of the surprise stars of IPL 2026. The LSG fast bowler has taken 16 wickets in 10 matches so far this season at an excellent economy rate of 8.15 and an average of 18.69.

Ashwin further strengthens the team along with Anshul Kamboj, who has been sensational for Chennai Super Kings this season, taking 17 wickets at an economy rate of almost 9 and an average of 18.71 in 10 matches.

Mohammed Shami in India’s T20 team

Harsh Dubey, who took 13 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, has also been included, while young spinner Shivam Kumar, who has taken 8 wickets in 9 matches, has also got a place in India’s second T20 team selected by cricket pundits.

LSG’s experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami has also got a place in Ashwin’s team. The senior fast bowler has taken only 10 wickets in 10 matches for LSG with an economy rate above 8.5, but Ashwin still relied on his experience, and he also chose young batsman Guru Chiranjeevi as a backup top-order option and wicketkeeping cover.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s alternate T20I squad for India:

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ashutosh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Shivang Kumar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Harsh Dubey, Mohammed Shami, Dhruv Jurel.