Team India chief selector Ajit Agarkar talked about the absence of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal from the team for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. Agarkar said Jaiswal was a part of the last World Cup but missed out this time as the selectors focused on finding the best overall combination.
Despite performing well for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the young left-handed opening batsman has not been selected in India’s 15-member squad. The current group of players, including Abhishek Sharma, have been out of the T20I setup for some time even before they became first choice for the team.
No one is suddenly talking about Yashasvi Jaiswal – Ajit Agarkar
Ajit Agarkar said that ousting Yashasvi Jaiswal was not a sudden decision. With only 15 slots available, the selectors had to eliminate several strong contenders, including players who had participated in previous World Cups. Agarkar said the focus was always on deciding the right combination.
“Nobody is suddenly talking about Jaiswal. He is another guy who was in the last World Cup, he is also missing. At the end of the day you are looking at the best combination to give you the best chance, and that is what we have decided. Whether it is decided today, tomorrow or 1 week ago, it doesn’t really matter,” Agarkar said during the T20 World Cup team selection press conference (via Jio Hotstar).
Look at Agarkar’s reaction, he is also surprised. It’s really important to have journalists in your pocket these days. pic.twitter.com/buyVKFJhwE https://t.co/k1bNgGLEG1
– (@elonkimaaka) 20 December 2025
India continue to reshape opening options as Yashasvi Jaiswal misses out again
India have experimented with different opening combinations in recent series, including pairing Shubman Gill with Abhishek Sharma, but Gill was unable to fully capitalize on his chances. As a result, the team has continued to reshuffle its top-order options.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was a part of the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he did not get a chance in the playing eleven. This left-handed batsman will not be able to play in the upcoming edition. Although he has shown his quality whenever given the opportunity, he has not been able to secure a regular place in the team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was last seen in T20Is during the Sri Lanka tour in mid-2024. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have reduced the chances of his comeback. Ishan Kishan enjoyed a strong domestic season and led his state team to the tournament title, which helped him cement his place in the team.
Team India will start its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against America on February 7.
India’s middle-order will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, which also includes Tilak Verma, while Jitesh Sharma has missed out. The team has placed emphasis on all-rounders by selecting Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dubey and Hardik Pandya to add balance and depth to both batting and bowling.
In the spin department, India have relied on Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakraborty. The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, who will be supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
India will begin their title defense with a Group A match against the United States on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium. Their group also includes Pakistan, Namibia and Netherlands.
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