Is Ashwin Excited for His Brother Sanju in India’s T20 WC Squad?
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Synopsis
Ravichandran Ashwin reacts to the announcement of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. He expresses joy for Sanju Samson's inclusion and highlights Ishan Kishan's return to international cricket. Discover the significant changes in the squad and what it means for India’s title defence!
Key Takeaways
- Ashwin expresses delight for his brother Sanju's selection in the T20 World Cup squad.
- Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable return to international cricket.
- Significant omissions include Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma.
- India gears up for its T20 World Cup title defence.
- Matches will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his excitement regarding India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, affirming that the team is set for its "title defence." He expressed joy for his 'brother', Sanju Samson, and praised Ishan Kishan's selection, who is making a return to international cricket.
In an unexpected decision, the defending champions India have left out Shubman Gill from their lineup for the upcoming T20 World Cup and the series against New Zealand. The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, along with captain Suryakumar Yadav, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and vice-captain Axar Patel, revealing significant changes in the squad.
Along with Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has also been excluded, making way for Ishan Kishan, who has performed exceptionally well while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing the series win in South Africa.
“Title defence loading. Superb squad. It's wonderful to see Rinku back, and I’m delighted for my thambi Sanju, who will now justifiably open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta! Huge applause for Ishan, who demonstrated his determination by excelling in the domestic circuit,” Ashwin stated on X.
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup is set to occur from February 7 to March 8, featuring 40 group matches scheduled to be completed by February 20. The leading two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super Eights, starting on February 21.
For the second time, India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the Men’s T20 World Cup, with Sri Lanka previously hosting it in 2012 and India last holding it in 2016. Following a three-match ODI series, India will engage in five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur, with matches also set for Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
In the Men’s T20 World Cup, the defending champions India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. India will commence its tournament against USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, followed by a match against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12.
The high-profile encounter against Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Their concluding league match will be against the Netherlands, occurring at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 18.
India’s squad includes: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the strategic decisions made by the selectors as India prepares for the T20 World Cup. The exclusion of notable players like Shubman Gill highlights the competitive nature of the squad and the emphasis on current form. As the nation rallies behind its team, the focus remains on solidifying a strong title defence.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is included in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad?
The squad features players like Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
When does the T20 World Cup 2026 start?
The tournament begins on February 7, 2026.
Where will the T20 World Cup 2026 matches be held?
India and Sri Lanka will co-host the matches across various venues.
What significant changes were made to the squad?
Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma have been excluded, while Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh have made comebacks.
What is Ashwin's reaction to the squad announcement?
Ashwin expressed his happiness for Sanju Samson and praised the squad as superb for the title defence.
