Team India Form Guide: How ready are defending champions India for T20 World Cup title defence at home?

Team India (Pic credit: BCCI)

Defending champions and co-hosts India walk into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as overwhelming favourites, beginning their title defence against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday. The World No.1 side arrives with an aura of invincibility — a team that has transitioned smoothly after a generational shift and now looks sharper, faster and more aggressive than ever. The triumph in the 2024 edition marked the end of an era, with head coach Rahul Dravid stepping away and stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja retiring from the format. Yet, rather than weakening India, the change sparked a reinvention. The new-look side under Suryakumar Yadav has embraced a high-octane philosophy, built around fearless batting and attacking spin, turning them into one of the most formidable T20 outfits in recent memory.

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The numbers underline their dominance. Since lifting the trophy on June 29, 2024, India have won 33 of their 41 T20Is, losing just six. They sit comfortably atop the ICC rankings, with Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy currently holding the No.1 batter and bowler spots respectively. As they chase a third T20 World Cup crown — and a second in succession — India’s squad enters the tournament with confidence and only a few lingering concerns.Here’s a detailed form guide to the Indian squad ahead of the title defence:Suryakumar Yadav — Captain When the 15-member squad was announced, the biggest talking point was the form of captain Suryakumar Yadav. The dynamic batter endured a forgettable 2025, scoring just 218 runs in 21 T20Is at an average of 13.62 and a strike rate of 123.16, without a single fifty. Despite the scrutiny, he maintained that he was “out of runs, not out of form,” and continued to lead a team that kept winning. Relief arrived during the home series against New Zealand — India’s final rehearsal before the World Cup. Surya roared back with 242 runs in five innings at an average of 80.66 and a blistering strike rate of 196.74, including three half-centuries. The resurgence not only restored belief in the dressing room but also added stability at the top of the order.

Abhishek Sharma (AP Photo)

Abhishek Sharma — Opening batter India’s new batting spearhead, Abhishek Sharma, has been nothing short of sensational since debuting in mid-2024. The current No.1 ranked T20I batter has redefined India’s approach at the top with his ultra-aggressive style. He smashed 182 runs against New Zealand this year at a staggering strike rate of 249.31, while his 2025 season saw him amass 859 runs at an average of 42.95 and a strike rate nearing 200. With a century and five fifties last year, Abhishek’s fearless starts have become central to India’s strategy — setting the tone for the middle order to capitalise.Tilak Varma — The dependable No.3 Fitness concerns briefly clouded Tilak Varma’s place after he missed the New Zealand series, but the left-hander remains a vital cog at No.3. With a career T20I average close to 50 and a strike rate above 144, Tilak has evolved into one of India’s most reliable anchors in a high-tempo lineup. His 567 runs from 18 innings last year at 47.25 underline his consistency. Returning from injury, scores of 38 and 45 in World Cup warm-ups against USA and South Africa hinted that he is match-ready — a reassuring sign for India’s batting depth.

Sanju Samson (PTI Photo)

Sanju Samson — The lingering concern If there is one selection dilemma, it revolves around Sanju Samson. Once a regular opening partner for Abhishek, Samson’s form dipped after moving down the order to accommodate Shubman Gill. Although management reinstated him at the top for the World Cup, he struggled to cement his spot. Just 46 runs in the five-match New Zealand series — at an average of 9.2 — has pushed him to the fringes of the XI, especially with Ishan Kishan’s strong comeback. Samson’s situation remains one of the few uncertainties in an otherwise settled lineup.Shivam Dube — The middle-over enforcer Known primarily for dismantling spin attacks, Shivam Dube has quietly evolved into a more versatile finisher. He scored 191 runs in 12 innings last year at a strike rate of 152, often playing a supporting role to India’s dominant top order. However, his improved batting against pace during the New Zealand series — 117 runs at an average of 58.5 and a strike rate of 248.93 — has added a new dimension to his game. If that trend continues, Dube could become one of India’s biggest match-winners in pressure chases.

Ishan Kishan (BCCI Photo)

Ishan Kishan — The comeback story Few narratives have been as dramatic as Ishan Kishan’s return. After being out of the national setup for more than two years, the left-hander forced his way back with a stunning domestic run. Initially drafted as a backup opener and wicketkeeper, he grabbed his opportunity when Tilak Varma was injured. Kishan smashed 215 runs against New Zealand at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate exceeding 231, including a century. A rapid 53 off 20 balls in a warm-up match against South Africa further strengthened his case, making him Abhishek’s likely opening partner in the tournament.Hardik Pandya — The X-factor Even after a decade in international cricket, Hardik Pandya remains India’s ultimate X-factor. His ability to change games with both bat and ball provides balance to a lineup stacked with aggressive hitters. Although opportunities with the bat have been limited, Hardik still scored at a strike rate of 181.57 during the New Zealand series and picked up four wickets with the ball. His presence allows the top order to play freely, knowing there is a proven finisher waiting.Rinku Singh – The Finisher The 28-year-old finisher par excellence has been a consistent performer for Team India in T20Is, delivering whenever given an opportunity. His career T20I average of over 45 and a strike rate above 161 underline his reliability and impact in the lower order. He had fewer opportunities last year despite enjoying a stellar run since his debut in 2023. Rinku featured in just five matches in 2025 and produced below-par returns. However, after being named in the World Cup squad as the designated finisher, he reaffirmed his value during the New Zealand series, scoring 91 runs in three innings — including two unbeaten knocks — at a strike rate of 156.89.

Arshdeep Singh and Ishan Kishan (PTI Photo)

Arshdeep Singh — The new-ball specialist India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 118 scalps, Arshdeep Singh has become indispensable at both ends of the innings. His ability to swing the new ball and nail yorkers at the death makes him one of the most complete T20 bowlers in the world. He heads into the tournament after an impressive New Zealand series, where he picked up eight wickets in four matches. Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, he forms a lethal pace partnership.Jasprit Bumrah — The strike weapon Widely regarded as the finest all-format bowler of his generation, Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s primary strike option. With 107 T20I wickets, he trails only Arshdeep among Indian bowlers. His New Zealand returns — four wickets in four matches — may seem modest, but Bumrah’s ability to deliver breakthroughs in crunch moments makes him irreplaceable. India will rely heavily on early wickets from him to unleash their spin attack in favourable situations.Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav — Spin twins India’s middle-overs dominance revolves around Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. Varun, the current No.1 ranked T20I bowler, enjoyed a sensational 2025 with 36 wickets in 18 innings at an average of 13.19 and an economy rate of 7.08. Even though his New Zealand returns were modest, his mystery spin remains a potent weapon on home surfaces. Kuldeep complements Varun perfectly. The wrist-spinner claimed 21 wickets from nine innings last year at a remarkable average of 10.23. Together, they present a daunting challenge for opposition batters during the middle overs.

Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy (Pic credit: BCCI)

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar — The balance providers Vice-captain Axar Patel continues to be India’s quiet match-winner, contributing with both bat and ball. He picked up 17 wickets last year while adding crucial runs down the order, and a three-wicket haul in the final New Zealand match confirmed his readiness despite a minor injury scare. Washington Sundar, meanwhile, remains under watch due to fitness concerns. The team management is being cautious, with Suryakumar stating that they want him “fully fit… one hundred per cent” before returning to action.Mohammed Siraj — Injury replacement Veteran pacer Mohammed Siraj earned a last-minute call-up to the World Cup squad as a replacement for young fast bowler Harshit Rana, who was ruled out after suffering a knee injury during the warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai. Siraj last featured in a T20I for India in July 2024, although he remained active in ODIs during the New Zealand series in January. The 31-year-old has played 16 T20Is so far, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 32.28, while maintaining a respectable economy rate of 7.79.

Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and keyseries stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.

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