The countdown to the 2026 T20 World Cup has begun with only 6 days left. The current champions and strong contenders, India, have nearly completed their preparations ahead of the championship. India will kick-start their campaign against the USA on February 7.
Having clinched a 4-1 T20 series victory over New Zealand, India's preparations are now considered complete. Prior to this series, there were several questions and concerns, most of which have been addressed. However, a few questions still remain.
Has the Opener Dilemma Intensified?
The biggest question for India was about the secondary opener. Sanju Samson underperformed throughout the New Zealand series, failing to score over 50 runs across five matches. This has raised doubts about India's opening pair, a critical role for the World Cup.
On the other hand, Ishan Kishan capitalized on his opportunities, scoring his first T20 international century and staking his claim for the opening slot. However, the opening spot remains in contention.
Suryakumar Yadav Returns to Form
Before the series, Suryakumar Yadav's poor form was a significant concern for the team. However, he made a sensational comeback against New Zealand, securing three half-centuries in five matches, with an average of 80.66 and a strike rate of 196.74.
As the captain of the T20 team, Suryakumar now appears completely in stride, putting all pre-series apprehensions to rest.
Read Also: T20 World Cup Dilemma: Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson? Captain Surya's Response to Every Question
Is Tilak Varma's Fitness a Major Concern?
Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar sustained injuries just before the New Zealand series. Reports suggest that Varma will be fit for the T20 World Cup and can participate in two warm-up matches before the tournament, one for India and another for India 'A'. He, however, hasn't played an international match since December 19.
Washington Sundar's Fitness and Alternatives
Suspense still surrounds Washington Sundar's fitness. His fitness test is scheduled for February 4, which will determine his participation in the World Cup. Should he be unfit, it remains to be seen whom the team management will bring in as his replacement.
Questions Over Jasprit Bumrah's Utilization
Post the 2025 Asia Cup, India has adopted a strategy of using Jasprit Bumrah sparingly in powerplays. He bowls only over in the initial 6 overs, typically the fifth or sixth. This is to utilize Hardik's swinging abilities with the new ball and save him for the middle overs.
While this strategy diminishes Bumrah's impact with the new ball, as he misses out on swing and seam, India may reevaluate this approach in the T20 World Cup, though it currently seems less than ideal.
Read More: 10 Sixes, 6 Fours... Ishan Kishan Hits Century in a Shower of Records, Indian Team Achieves a Special Milestone
India's Squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
India's Schedule for the 2026 T20 World Cup
India vs USA – February 7, Wankhede Stadium, MumbaiIndia vs Namibia – February 12, Arun Jaitley Stadium, DelhiIndia vs Pakistan – February 15, R. Premadasa International Stadium, ColomboIndia vs Netherlands – February 18, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
