The countdown for the T20 World Cup 2026 has begun. The Indian Cricket team, which won the last championship, is gearing up as strong contenders once again after completing their final training session. India will face South Africa on February 4, ahead of the warm-up match. The team met its preparation goal by winning a 4-1 series against New Zealand, but the match in Trivandrum raised questions about team selection. Most issues were addressed, except for three key concerns.
India needs to replace their second opening batsman. Sanju Samson struggled in the first four games against New Zealand, performing poorly despite playing at home, and he scored less than 10 runs again.
Ishan Kishan, competing with Samson for the opener and wicketkeeper roles, scored his first T20I century. Now, India no longer has to find a partner for Abhishek Sharma. Samson, previously Shubman Gill’s backup, has fallen behind Kishan in team rankings.
Suryakumar Yadav started the series out of form but found his rhythm, scoring three half-centuries in five matches against New Zealand. He achieved an average of 80.66 and a strike rate of 196.74. What was initially seen as a major concern has now resolved itself.
Tilak Varma’s readiness
Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar missed the New Zealand series due to injuries. Reports suggest Varma will be fit for the World Cup, participating in two warm-up matches, one for India and another for India ‘A’, before facing the USA on February 7.
Match fitness might still be a concern as Tilak hasn’t played internationally since December 19, which could affect his readiness and disrupt India’s batting lineup.
Washington Sundar’s fitness status
Washington Sundar will undergo a fitness test on February 4. His availability will be confirmed afterward. Riyan Parag is a potential replacement and is also scheduled to play in two warm-up matches for India ‘A’.
If Sundar is unfit, Parag will step in. However, he hasn’t played International cricket since October 2024, and the impact of his absence remains uncertain until he gets another chance.
Jasprit Bumrah’s role
India plans to use Jasprit Bumrah primarily during non-powerplay overs after the 2025 Asia Cup. He typically bowls one over in the first six, usually the fifth or sixth, while Hardik Pandya takes the new ball.
The strategy aims to leverage Hardik’s swing capabilities while minimizing his use in the middle overs. While Bumrah is effective in all phases, this approach limits his overall impact, as he misses opportunities with the new ball and rarely bowls to fresh batters. India may reconsider this plan for the World Cup, but for now, it seems less than optimal.
India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh
India’s schedule for T20 World Cup 2026:
