Axar Patel Named Vice-Captain for T20 World Cup 2026
The BCCI sprang a surprise while announcing India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, as Shubman Gill was left out of the team and stripped of the vice-captaincy. In his absence, all-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed as the new vice-captain, marking a significant leadership change ahead of the global tournament. So let’s know about Axar Patel vice-captain T20 World Cup 2026.
Ajit Agarkar Explains BCCI’s Decision
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified the reasoning behind Axar Patel’s elevation, stating that the decision was straightforward once Gill was not selected.
According to Agarkar, since Gill was no longer part of the squad, the team management had to identify an alternative. Axar emerged as the natural choice due to his previous experience in leadership roles, having served as vice-captain in earlier T20I series when Gill was unavailable.
Axar’s Prior Experience Strengthened His Case
Axar Patel had previously held the vice-captaincy during India’s five-match T20I series against England in early 2025, which worked in his favour. His consistency, calm presence, and ability to contribute with both bat and ball played a role in the selectors placing trust in him once again.
Gill’s Dip in Form Costs Him Place
Shubman Gill’s exclusion was largely influenced by his inconsistent returns in T20 cricket. The 26-year-old has managed 291 runs in his last 15 T20I innings, averaging just 24.25, prompting selectors to take a tough call ahead of the marquee event.
Suryakumar Yadav Retained as Captain Despite Form Woes
Despite similar concerns surrounding his batting form, Suryakumar Yadav continues as India’s T20I captain. The specialist batter has scored 244 runs across his last 22 T20I innings, without registering a single half-century, yet the management has opted for continuity in leadership.
New Zealand Series Final Tune-Up Before World Cup
India’s selected squad will also take part in a five-match home T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21, which will serve as the final international assignment before the World Cup.
T20 World Cup 2026 Overview
The 10th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and will feature 20 teams. India enter the tournament as defending champions, having defeated South Africa in a thrilling final in 2024.
India’s Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Rinku Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Washington Sundar
- Ishan Kishan
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