BCCI reveals why no reserve players have been named in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has revealed why the BCCI selection committee refrained from naming any reserve players in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC event will be played in India and Sri Lanka in February-March next year.

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In a daring, impact-first decision, the Indian selectors recalled wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh while excluding Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad. Shubman Gill’s poor form, scoring 291 runs in 15 innings since returning to the T20I squad, went against him.

There was also criticism, as Gill was included in the Indian squad at the expense of Sanju Samson for the opening slot, though Samson had done excellently well, with three centuries in T20I in 2024.

The most intriguing choice made during the Mumbai selection meeting was Gill's exclusion, albeit it wasn't all that shocking considering his performance.

Why no reserve players in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026?

While Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain of the Indian team, Axar Patel has been named his deputy for the ICC event. Apart from Gill, wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma has also been dropped, with the Indian think tank wanting a backup wicketkeeper who can also open.

With players like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan at the top, the 15-man team has all the bases covered. Kishan is scheduled to play his first international game since November 2023 after making a comeback to the Indian squad.  

Rinku Singh, a finisher, has returned to India's World Cup roster, while Kishan has returned after a long absence. In T20 cricket, the southpaw offers one of the hardest specializations: winning games.  

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In contrast to the T20 World Cup 2024, the BCCI has not announced any reserve players for the 2026 tournament.  

Gill, Rinku, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan were the Men in Blue's backup options at the last World Cup. Devajit Saika, secretary of the BCCI, has explained why reserve players were not named for the competition.

"There are no standbys since the whole tournament is happening in the country, and we can replace any player at any point in time," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said during the squad announcement press conference.

India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026:

Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk).

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