Date: December 21,2025
Indian cricket fans who were eagerly awaiting the announcement of the 2026 T20 World Cup squad have finally had their wait rewarded. The BCCI has announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, and the biggest news, which fans were eagerly anticipating, is that Ishan Kishan is back.
Ishan Kishan has been recalled to the team for the T20 World Cup 2026. There could be several reasons for his recall:
1. Form and Performance - He may have performed well in recent matches, which impressed the selectors.
2. T20 Experience - Ishan Kishan has considerable experience in T20 World Cup matches and also has good experience in high-pressure situations, which is valuable for the team.
3. The Finisher's Role - The team may need a finisher in the lower order, usually a player who is a wicket-keeper, all-rounder, or bowler. This player is expected to score quick runs in the final overs or save the match in difficult situations. Ishan Kishan fits this role perfectly. Kishan's wicket-keeping and batting performances have forced the selectors to bring him back into the team. However, his return has come at the cost of a big player – Shubman Gill has been left out of this major tournament. Shubman Gill couldn't make it into the team due to the competition with Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, meaning he wasn't selected.
Ishan Kishan's Reply
This selection is nothing short of a fairytale for Ishan Kishan. After being dropped from the central contract and the national team in 2024, Ishan didn't just wait; he worked incredibly hard.
His performance in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) was outstanding. He played a crucial role in helping Jharkhand win the title for the first time, scoring 517 runs in just 10 innings. His century against Haryana in the final was not just an innings, but a statement. With a strike rate of 200, Ishan proved that he is the aggressive opener India needs for the World Cup to be held on home soil.
On his comeback, Ishan said, "I told myself that if I don't get selected for the IPL or the 2026 World Cup, I will have to work even harder. Now I have even more confidence in my batting."
Bad news for Shubman Gill
On the other hand, this news is heartbreaking for Shubman Gill. Gill, once considered the batting prince of the Indian team, has been struggling in the T20 format this year.
The statistics clearly show this. In 2025, Gill scored only 291 runs in 15 T20 International innings, with an average of just 24.25. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, focused on current form rather than reputation. The impressive performances of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson in the top order made it difficult for Gill to secure a place in the squad.
Team Highlights
Suryakumar Yadav will continue as the captain of the Indian T20 team. This decision was a natural one, coming just two days after India's 3-1 series victory against South Africa in Ahmedabad. The team has a good blend of experience and youthful energy.
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Vice-captain: Axar Patel
- Key returnees: Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah
- New faces: Abhishek Sharma, Harish Rana, Tilak Varma
What will happen next?
This team's first test will be the series against New Zealand in January. The message for the fans is clear: form matters more than reputation. India is ready to redeem itself, and this time, instead of playing cautiously, they will adopt an aggressive approach.
The World Cup campaign will begin on February 7, 2026, against the USA, but the real discussion has already begun.
Key figures: The story of the two openers
| खिलाड़ी | हालिया टूर्नामेंट | रन | औसत (Average) | स्ट्राइक रेट |
| ईशान किशन | सैयद मुश्ताक अली ट्रॉफी '25 | 517 | 57.44 | 197+ |
| शुà¤à¤®à¤¨ गिल | टी20 इंटरनेशनल (2025) | 291 | 24.25 | 137.26 |
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