Ashwin supports India’s T20 World Cup 2026 team captained by Suryakumar and Axar, complimenting Samson, Kishan, and Rinku prior to the India-Sri Lanka match.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his support for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 lineup, stating the team is poised for a robust title defense and applauding various daring selection decisions.
Defending champions India grabbed attention by omitting Shubman Gill, while Axar Patel was appointed vice-captain with skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
The team, revealed on Saturday by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and Yadav, included the removal of Jitesh Sharma while also reintroducing Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh.
“Rightful Opener at Last”: Ashwin Backs Samson as India Finalise T20 WC 2026 Squad
Ashwin was especially happy for Sanju Samson, who appears ready to bat first with Abhishek Sharma.
“Preparing for title defense.” Excellent team. “Awesome to see Rinku return, and I’m thrilled for my brother Sanju, who will justly open with Abhishek,” Ashwin shared on X.
He praised Kishan’s return, describing it as a recognition for his dedication in the domestic circuit after the left-handed batsman guided Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the Men’s T20 World Cup from February 7 until March 8. The competition will include 40 group games prior to the Super Eights starting on February 21.
India has been placed in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. They will begin their campaign against the USA at Wankhede Stadium on February 7, then face Namibia in New Delhi and the Netherlands in Ahmedabad. The highly anticipated match against Pakistan is set for February 15 in Colombo.
Prior to the World Cup, India will confront New Zealand in a five-game T20I series at home beginning January 21.
India’s Squad For T20 World Cup and NZ Series: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube.