T20 World Cup 2026: Team India Strongest Playing 11 & Analysis

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T20 World Cup 2026: Team India Strongest Playing 11 & Analysis: The Indian team has geared up for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. This time, Team India's goal is not only to win the trophy, but also to make history by becoming the first team in T20 World Cup history to win three titles. India is considered a strong contender for victory in this tournament, which will be held on its home soil.

Major changes in captaincy and team

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It's no surprise that Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain of the team. But the selectors have also surprised everyone with some tough decisions:

• Axar Patel: has retained his position as the team's vice-captain.
• Shubman Gill: has been dropped from the squad due to poor form.
• Ishan Kishan: has returned as the backup wicketkeeper.
• Sanju Samson: will play the roles of primary wicketkeeper and opener.

India's strongest playing 11 for the T20 World Cup 2026

1. Abhishek Sharma (Opener)
2. Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper / Opener)
3. Tilak Varma (Top-order Batter)
4. Suryakumar Yadav (Captain / Middle-order Batter)
5. Shivam Dube (Power-hitter / All-rounder)
6. Hardik Pandya (All-rounder)
7. Axar Patel (Vice-Captain / Bowling All-rounder)
8. Kuldeep Yadav (Wrist Spinner)
9. Varun Chakaravarthy (Mystery Spinner)
10. Jasprit Bumrah (Fast Bowler)
11. Arshdeep Singh (Fast Bowler)

Top-order: Explosive and aggressive starts

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India's top-order looks quite young and fearless this time around.

• Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek, ranked No. 1 in the T20I rankings, is known for his aggressive batting.
• Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper): Sanju will be responsible for giving the team a quick start along with Abhishek.
• Tilak Verma: This left-handed batsman at No. 3 can play both the role of anchor and hitter.

Also Read: Understand why Shubman Gill is not in India T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Middle-order: A combination of experience and strength

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The team has some of the best batsmen in the world in the middle order.

• Suryakumar Yadav (captain): Captain Suryakumar Yadav will bat after the fall of two wickets in the T20 World Cup 2026, as he himself confirmed during the team announcement.
• Shivam Dubey: The team will use him as a specialist power-hitter. He can also bowl if needed.

All-rounders: Team India's true strength

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India has the world's most dangerous all-rounder

• Hardik Pandya: He is in excellent form, scoring two half-centuries and taking crucial wickets in the series against South Africa.
• Axar Patel (Vice-Captain): Axar, who has the ability to turn matches with both bat and ball, provides balance to the team.

Bowling Attack: Pace, Swing, and Mystery

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India has no shortage of variety in the bowling department

• Jasprit Bumrah: The world's best fast bowler, a killer in the death overs.
• Arshdeep Singh: His left-arm swing and accurate yorkers are his hallmarks.
• Kuldeep Yadav: His chinaman bowling can decimate any batting line-up.
• Varun Chakravarthy: Varun is adept at taking wickets in the middle overs with his 'mystery spin'.

Team India's T20 World Cup 2026 schedule

India will begin its campaign in this 20-team mega event against the USA on February 7 at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India's other matches in Group A will be as follows

• February 7: vs. USA (Mumbai)
• Other matches: Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands.

Also Read: IPL 2026 All Teams Squad & Strongest Playing 11 with Impact Players

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