Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul Likely to Miss T20 World Cup 2026 as India Eyes Fresh Lineup

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Rishabh Pant
New Delhi: Major changes are on the horizon for Team India ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in February-March next year. With stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from the shortest format following India’s triumphant run in the 2024 edition, the national selectors are looking to rebuild the squad under a new leadership, possibly without two more big names: Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.

Suryakumar Yadav to Lead India’s New T20 Era

Following the retirement of Rohit and Kohli from T20Is, Suryakumar Yadav has taken charge of the team. Under his captaincy, India has shown remarkable form, winning 13 out of 15 matches. The Mumbai batter has not only cemented his place as a dynamic batsman but also emerged as a reliable leader. With a focus on youth and aggressive play, Suryakumar’s squad is expected to reflect the brand of cricket India wants to showcase in the upcoming World Cup.

Pant and Rahul May Be Left Out

One of the most discussed developments is the likely omission of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul from the squad. Despite being seasoned performers, both players may not find a place in the T20 World Cup lineup, as the team management and selectors are reportedly keen on moving forward with players who are in form and aligned with the team’s new strategy.

While both Pant and Rahul have had their moments of brilliance, injury layoffs and inconsistent form have plagued their T20 journeys. Their potential exclusion, though shocking for many, would underline the selection committee’s intent to back current performers and emerging talent.

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal Likely to Return

Young guns Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to return to India’s T20 setup. Both players were prolific scorers during the IPL and have shown promise in the format. Their inclusion would bolster India’s top-order options, especially in the absence of experienced campaigners.

Iyer and Samson Strengthen Their Claims

Another name making strong waves is Shreyas Iyer, who made a resounding comeback with a stellar performance in the 2025 IPL, amassing 604 runs. His return could provide much-needed depth and aggression in the middle order.

In the wicketkeeping department, Sanju Samson appears to be the front-runner. After scoring three centuries in 2024 alone, Samson has proven his worth both with the bat and behind the stumps, making a solid case for his inclusion.

Intense Competition Among Young Wicketkeepers

With Pant and Rahul possibly sidelined, the battle for the second wicketkeeper slot could come down to Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel. Jitesh, who played a pivotal role in RCB’s IPL 2025 triumph, might have the edge due to his explosive batting and recent form. However, Dhruv Jurel has also impressed with his maturity and calm under pressure.

The Road Ahead

As the T20 World Cup 2026 inches closer, Team India appears to be transitioning into a new phase — one that balances youth, form, and strategic clarity. If the current trends hold, fans can expect a refreshing and fiercely competitive Indian squad, ready to defend their title without some of its most recognizable faces.

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Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.