Samson likely to open; Gambhir might bench Ishan [Source: AFP]
On Saturday, the BCCI men's selection committee announced India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup edition. In a major development, Shubman Gill was dropped and replaced by Axar Patel as the vice-captain.
Despite struggling with poor form, Suryakumar Yadav has been retained as the Indian captain for the T20I World Cup 2026, while Washington Sundar has preserved his place as all-rounder alongside Axar, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.
As the Men in Blue prepare for the T20 World Cup, let's analyse to find out their strongest combination for the marquee event.
Sanju Samson to open with Abhishek Sharma
As Shubman Gill has been dropped from India's T20 World Cup squad, Sanju Samson is all set to open the batting in the showpiece event next year. The Kerala batter has formed a scintillating opening pair with Abhishek Sharma, as the duo has amassed 330 runs at a blistering strike rate, including two fifty-plus stands.
Criterion
Samson
Abhishek
Innings
18
30
Runs
559
1091
Average
32.88
37.62
Strike Rate
178.03
190.40
(Samson and Abhishek's T20I record as openers)
As evidenced by the above stats, Samson and Abhishek have registered exceptional strike rates as openers. They form a dynamic opening pair and can provide India with flying starts in the T20 World Cup.
Tilak Varma to bat at 3, pressure on Suryakumar Yadav
Criterion
Tilak
SKY
Innings
15
52
Runs
542
1657
Average
60.22
37.66
Strike Rate
160.83
165.53
(Tilak and SKY at 3 and 4 in T20Is)
Tilak Varma has emerged as a potential successor to Virat Kohli, playing the anchor's role to perfection. The left-handed batter from Hyderabad has smashed 542 runs at an average of 60.22 and a strike rate of 160.83 at number three and is expected to play a crucial role for India in the T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, despite having an impressive record at number four, Suryakumar Yadav will definitely be under the pump to deliver in the T20 World Cup. The Indian T20I captain is suffering from a rough patch, having managed only 448 runs since the 2024 T20 World Cup at a horrendous average of 17.92 and will desperately need runs to retain his spot post-World Cup.
Hardik to play as allrounder alongside Axar, Dube; Rinku back as finisher
With Jitesh Sharma missing out, India will need a pace-hitter to spearhead their finishing department. As Hardik Pandya has massively improved his game against spin, India have the luxury to promote him slightly up the order at number five and keep Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube as their designated pace-hitters for the slog overs.
Criterion
Data
Balls
47
Runs
74
Dismissals
0
Strike rate
157.4
Dot %
27.7
(Hardik Pandya's T20I record vs spin in 2025)
As Rinku Singh has made his comeback, we reckon India might use Axar Patel as a floater in their batting lineup. If they get a good start, we might see Pandya, Dube and Rinku coming ahead of Axar, who might be promoted in case the Men in Blue lose a few early wickets.
Bumrah, Arshdeep to lead IND bowling attack with Chakravarthy
Bowler
Wickets
SR
Economy
Bumrah
15
17.6
7.11
Varun
36
11.1
7.08
Arshdeep
15
16.2
8.85
(Bumrah, Arshdeep and Varun in T20Is in 2025)
Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are expected to open the bowling for India due to their incredible prowess as all-phase pacers. Both are remarkable death bowlers, and with Pandya and Dube offering seam-bowling options, the Gautam Gambhir-led management is expected to make Harshit Rana warm the bench. If one of their frontline pacers sustains poor form, Harshit might make a wildcard entry into the playing XI.
On a similar note, despite performing admirably in 2025, Kuldeep Yadav could miss out on selection, with India likely to prefer Chakravarthy as their frontline spinner and Axar Patel for his all-round attributes.
![Samson likely to open; Gambhir might bench Ishan [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766231434061_samson_ishan_gambhir(1).jpg?type=hq)
Samson likely to open; Gambhir might bench Ishan [Source: AFP]
