India’s T20 World Cup squad: Most contentious spots to get clarity at announcement

With the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year, the buzz around India’s squad selection has already reached its peak. Every selection call is being debated, from the top order to the last bowling spot. This time, the noise is even louder because the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to announce India’s final 15 much earlier than usual.

LIVE | India squad announcement for T20 World Cup 2026

The squad will be unveiled at the BCCI headquarters at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, December 20, at 1.30 pm IST, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav expected to address the media shortly after.

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Announcing the squad nearly six weeks before the tournament is a clear signal from the BCCI - the Indian team should have clarity, stability, and no last-minute experiments. It also means the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand will act as a full-fledged dress rehearsal.

While several positions look locked in, a few spots remain highly contentious. The squad announcement and the subsequent series against the Kiwis could reveal how the Indian team wants to proceed as they aim to defend their title at home.

Gill vs Samson: The opening dilemma

Perhaps the biggest talking point is the opening slot. Ever since Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup triumph, India have been in transition. Sanju Samson emerged as one of the biggest winners of that revamp. Backed at the top, he responded with three brilliant centuries and a string of confident performances that made the opening role his own.

However, the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I side changed the dynamics. Gill, who is being groomed as an all-format player, walked straight back into the XI when he was made the vice-captain ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, pushing Samson out of his preferred opening slot. The move sparked intense debate among fans and experts alike.

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Gill’s T20I numbers, especially in international cricket, have not matched his IPL success. While he has been exceptional as Gujarat Titans captain in the Indian Premier League, that form has not fully translated at the international level. Samson, on the other hand, once again reminded everyone of his value when he opened in the fifth T20I against South Africa after Gill was ruled out due to an injury.

India do have the option of playing both Gill and Samson, but that would mean Samson batting lower down the order. In that scenario, Jitesh Sharma, another middle-order contender, would likely have to miss out.

Sundar vs Rinku: Balance over brute force?

Another major selection headache revolves around Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Rinku Singh. Axar Patel is almost certain to return once he recovers from illness, given his all-round value and big-match temperament. But Sundar’s performances whenever he gets a chance make him hard to ignore.

Although Sundar missed out on the Asia Cup 2025 squad, he has a history of delivering in pressure situations. With the T20 World Cup being played in India and Sri Lanka, spin is expected to play a major role. Sundar’s ability to bowl tight overs, along with his handy batting, gives the captain and team management something to fall back on when in trouble.

If India decide to go with both Axar and Sundar, sacrifices will need to be made. The most likely casualty in that case is Rinku Singh. Rinku has built a reputation as a fearless finisher, but with Hardik Pandya back at his best form and taking charge of the finishing role, the team may prioritise bowling depth over extra batting firepower.

Rinku vs Dube: An unlikely swap?

There is also an argument that Rinku could replace Shivam Dube instead of being dropped altogether. On paper, it sounds logical. Rinku offers consistency and calmness under pressure, while Dube’s performances have been more hit-and-miss.

However, Dube brings something different to the table. His ability to bowl medium pace, even if only for a couple of overs, adds flexibility. More importantly, he was part of India’s Asia Cup-winning squad and the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. The team management has shown faith in him during big tournaments, and it is highly unlikely they will abandon that trust now.

Rinku, too, has not been at his consistent best in the limited opportunities he has had recently. That makes his case weaker, despite his undeniable talent of finishing games. Remember, he hit the winning runs in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan.

The settled core

Beyond these debates, much of India’s XI looks settled. Abhishek Sharma is expected to open alongside either Gill or Samson. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma will occupy the crucial middle-order slots.

If Samson doesn’t open, he is likely to feature as a middle-order batter-wicketkeeper, with Jitesh Sharma then pushed as back-up. The all-rounder slots also appear locked, with Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel forming a strong core that offers balance in all departments, including pace, spin, and batting.

In bowling, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to be India’s frontline spinners, while Jasprit Bumrah remains the undisputed leader of the pace attack. Arshdeep Singh provides a strong left-arm option, especially in the powerplay and death overs. Harshit Rana is likely to travel as a backup, ready to step in if injuries strike.

It is highly likely that Agarkar and his selection panel will stick with the same 15 that won the T20 Asia Cup in Dubai. If there are any last-minute surprises, they will be known on Saturday afternoon when the squad is officially announced.