When veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin refers to Sanju Samson as “my thambi”—a Tamil term of endearment meaning “younger brother”—you know something special is brewing in the India 2026 T20 World Cup squad. This wasn’t just a casual comment; it was a window into the emotional core of a team undergoing a dramatic, high-stakes transformation .
With the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the BCCI has unveiled a 15-man squad that blends youthful exuberance with battle-tested experience. But it’s not without controversy: fan favorites like Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma are out, while Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh are back in. And at the heart of it all is Sanju Samson—now firmly anointed as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper across all white-ball formats.
Table of Contents
- India 2026 T20 World Cup Squad: Full List
- Ashwin and Sanju: The ‘Thambi’ Connection
- Key Returns: Who Made the Comeback?
- Shocking Omissions: Jitesh Sharma & Shubman Gill
- Tournament Preview: India vs USA and Beyond
- Why This Squad Could Win It All
- Conclusion: A New Era Begins
- Sources
India 2026 T20 World Cup Squad: Full List
As confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the official squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is as follows:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Sanju Samson (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant
- Ishan Kishan
- Rinku Singh
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
Noticeably absent: Shubman Gill, despite a stellar 2025 IPL season, and Jitesh Sharma, the gritty finisher who had become a mainstay in T20Is .
Ashwin and Sanju: The ‘Thambi’ Connection
R Ashwin’s praise for Sanju Samson went viral the moment he uttered, “My thambi Sanju is in peak form.” It wasn’t just affection—it was strategic validation . Ashwin, a master of reading the game, highlighted Samson’s consistency, maturity, and leadership under pressure. As vice-captain and the primary keeper, Samson’s role is pivotal. His 2025 ODI and T20I averages hovered near 40 with a strike rate over 135 , proving he’s more than just a backup.
This endorsement from a senior statesman like Ashwin signals a unified dressing room—an essential ingredient for World Cup success.
Key Returns: Who Made the Comeback?
Two names stand out in this squad: Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh.
Kishan, dropped after inconsistent outings in 2024, roared back with a 700+ run Ranji Trophy season for Jharkhand and a match-winning 90 in the Challenger Trophy . His ability to open or bat in the middle gives India valuable flexibility.
Rinku Singh, the Kolkata Knight Riders hero, returns after injury setbacks. His knack for last-over sixes and calm under pressure makes him the ideal finisher—something India desperately needed after sidelining Jitesh Sharma.
Shocking Omissions: Jitesh Sharma & Shubman Gill
The axe falling on Jitesh Sharma has sparked heated debate. The 32-year-old had delivered precisely what was asked: a reliable No. 5/6 who could accelerate without recklessness. In 16 T20Is, he maintained a strike rate of 151 with a calm temperament . His omission appears tied to a strategic shift—India now prefers two full-time openers and a finisher with bigger-hitting credentials.
Shubman Gill’s exclusion is even more surprising. Despite being one of the top run-scorers in the 2025 IPL and a key ODI opener, selectors opted for a more explosive top order with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kishan. Some speculate it’s a move to protect Gill for the 2027 ODI World Cup, but fans remain unconvinced .
Tournament Preview: India vs USA and Beyond
India kicks off its campaign on June 3, 2026, against the USA in New York—a historic moment for global cricket . Co-hosting with Sri Lanka, the tournament will feature 20 teams, with matches across 12 venues. India’s group also includes Ireland, Pakistan, and a qualifier.
With home advantage and a squad built for high-pressure chases, expectations couldn’t be higher. The return of Ashwin—a rare T20 inclusion—adds tactical depth on subcontinental pitches.
Why This Squad Could Win It All
Three reasons make this India 2026 T20 World Cup squad a serious title contender:
- Balanced Lineup: Power-hitters at the top, anchors in the middle (Samson, Iyer), and finishers like Rinku and Hardik cover all phases.
- Spin Dominance: Ashwin, Jadeja, and Iyer’s part-time leggies give India unmatched control in the middle overs.
- Leadership Clarity: Rohit’s experience, Sanju’s vice-captaincy, and Ashwin’s mentorship create a stable hierarchy.
As Ashwin himself noted, “This team has the hunger and the talent to finish the job this time.”
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
The India 2026 T20 World Cup squad is a bold statement: it prioritizes form, versatility, and emotional cohesion over past reputation. Ashwin’s “my thambi Sanju” is more than a sweet phrase—it’s a symbol of trust in a new generation. With tough choices made and clear roles defined, India looks ready to end its World Cup drought on home soil. Will it be their year? All eyes turn to that opening clash against the USA. For more on World Cup strategies, see our [INTERNAL_LINK:t20-world-cup-2026-preview].
Sources
- Times of India: ‘My Thambi Sanju’ – Ashwin’s heartfelt praise for Samson
- BCCI Official Website – Squad Announcement
- ICC Official Site – T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
- Player stats from ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz [[10], [12], [15]]