India’s road to the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup begins with the Asia Cup in the UAE, starting September 9. With the squad announcement expected on Tuesday, the biggest question before the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel is whether Test skipper Shubman Gill, fresh from a record-breaking tour of England, should return to the shortest format.
Gill, 25, has forced his way back into T20 contention after a prolific run across formats. During the recently concluded tour of England, he led from the front, scoring 754 runs with four centuries in five Tests in England and underlined his stature as one of India’s most dependable batters.
His ODI credentials are already formidable, 2,775 runs and 22 fifty-plus scores in just 55 matches, and reports suggest he could be earmarked as a future limited-overs leader once Rohit Sharma steps away.
In T20s, Gill has shown both form and evolution. His IPL 2025 campaign brought 650 runs at a strike rate of nearly 156, while his international numbers since the last T20 World Cup — 893 runs in 22 matches at an average of 47 and strike rate above 147 — underline his growth. His overall T20I record stands at 578 runs in 21 games, but selectors will weigh whether his recent surge is enough to dislodge a settled top order.
Packed top order, tight schedule
The challenge for Gill is less about form and more about opportunity. India’s top order has looked settled since their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, and the Sanju Samson–Abhishek Sharma pairing has delivered quick starts consistently. Abhishek’s 279-run blitz against England, highlighted by a 54-ball 135 at Wankhede, and Samson’s 908 runs at a strike rate of 157 since the last World Cup make them difficult to move.
Like Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal is also in contention, with 723 T20I runs at a strike rate of 164, including a century. Realistically, the 15-member squad may only accommodate two among Gill, Jaiswal, Abhishek and Samson, with Samson’s wicketkeeping giving him an edge.
Also the Asia Cup final, scheduled on September 28 is followed almost immediately by the two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2, complicating Gill’s workload further.
Middle-order options
With Suryakumar, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel virtual certainties, India still has questions at No. 3 and No. 5. Tilak Varma, consistent since the last T20 World Cup, faces a direct challenge from Shreyas Iyer, who lit up IPL 2025 with a strike rate of 175.
The second wicketkeeper slot could open up if Samson is left out, bringing Jitesh Sharma into the mix as a finisher.
Lower order and allrounders
Among finishers, Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube bring batting depth, while Rinku Singh’s chances hinge on whether selectors value his explosiveness over an extra bowling option. Washington Sundar offers balance as the only frontline offspinner.
Spin and pace attack
Kuldeep Yadav is expected to return from injury, but Varun Chakravarthy’s 14 wickets in five T20Is against England earlier this year keep him firmly in contention. If both play, India may have to compromise on batting depth.
In pace, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh remain automatic picks. The third seamer’s spot could go to Prasidh Krishna, IPL 2025’s purple cap winner, though Harshit Rana’s impactful debut keeps him in the conversation.