The Indian selectors dropped some bombshells while announcing the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Ishan Kishan’s return to the Indian cricket team was the biggest talking point of the announcement.
Ishan Kishan returns to India’s T20I setup after more than two years as the selectors have announced a 15-man squad for the mega event, while Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma have been left out. Gill was dropped from the team after disappointing performances in T20Is since his return.
Indian selectors support Ishan Kishan’s excellent form, show Shubman Gill the way out
In 2025, the right-handed batsman scored 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of just 24 with a strike rate of 137. Despite getting regular chances, he failed to score a single half-century, which went against him as the selectors decided to move on and look for players in better form.
Also read: India names T20 World Cup 2026 XI which can still beat any team
Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan made every effort to make a comeback. The aggressive left-handed batsman has been sensational with the bat and also led Jharkhand to its first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win. The wicketkeeper scored a brilliant century and helped his team lift the trophy.
Ishan finished the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 as the highest run-scorer with 571 runs. His strong domestic form and his experience at the international level worked in his favour. The selectors also valued the option of having a wicketkeeper who could open the innings, giving the team more balance and flexibility.
This makes me feel very happy: Ishan Kishan on returning to India
With Sanju Samson continuing to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, Kishan has been selected as the second keeper in the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20I.
This marks Kishan’s return to India’s T20I setup after his last appearance against Australia in Guwahati in 2023. The 26-year-old player is very happy now as he prepares to play his first World Cup.
Ishaan is very happy to be back in the Indian team. “I am happy. I have heard the news and it makes me feel extremely happy,” ANI quoted him as saying.
#Watch Patna, Bihar “I am very happy…” says Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan on his return to India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. pic.twitter.com/R2oKsCd9U2
– ANI (@ANI) 20 December 2025
Ajit Agarkar explains why Ishan Kishan was preferred over Shubman Gill
Earlier, Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar had explained the selection of Ishan over Gill. He said that the form of this player from Bihar was the main reason for his selection for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Also read: Revealed why no standby player was named for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand series
“He bats at the top in white-ball cricket, and he is in good form. He has played for India before. He was not in the Indian team because there are Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant ahead of him. We felt a keeper at the top gives us more strength,” Ajit Agarkar said at the BCCI headquarters.
India’s group stage schedule in ICC T20 World Cup 2026:
7 February: India vs USA, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
12 February: India vs Namibia, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
15 February: India vs Pakistan, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
18 February: India vs Netherlands, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
India’s squad announced for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Let’s cheer on the defending champions motiv#TeamIndia , #meninblue , #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7CpjGh60vk
– BCCI (@BCCI) 20 December 2025
India vs New Zealand T20I Series Schedule:
11 January: 1st T20I, Vadodara
14 January: 2nd T20I, Rajkot
18 January: 3rd T20I, Indore
21 January: 4th T20I, Nagpur
23 January: Fifth T20I, Raipur