3 players India must select after T20 World Cup 2026

Team India. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

India won their first four games in the T20 World Cup 2026 before losing to South Africa in the Super 8. However, on Thursday, February 26, the Men in Blue returned to winning ways as they defeated Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The win against Zimbabwe has given the Indian team some fresh oxygen, as fans had been irate over their lacklustre performance against the Proteas and flooded social media with criticism. While India need to beat the West Indies on Sunday, March 1, to make it to the semi-final, let’s take a look at three players who could make it to the squad after the marquee event.

3 Indian players who should be picked after T20 World Cup

3. Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana was named in India’s initial squad for the ongoing T20 World Cup. However, just prior to the commencement of the marquee event, the Delhi speedster was ruled out due to injury. Rana can not only bowl at speeds of over 140 kph consistently, but also contribute important runs in the lower order.

Rana has undergone successful knee surgery and will be focusing on rehabilitation for now. Once he attains full fitness, expect the Kolkata Knight Riders’ star to return to the Indian setup.

2. Nitish Kumar Reddy

It is important to groom a backup for Hardik Pandya, who is 32 years old. Nitish Kumar Reddy has played 10 Tests, four ODIs, and four T20Is so far. He has scored 90 runs in three innings at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 180. With the ball, he has bagged three wickets.

Nitish Kumar Reddy showed his class during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored a wonderful Test century on foreign soil. There is talent and determination aplenty in the 22-year-old. If given a long rope, he could fill the shoes of Pandya in white-ball cricket.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become a household name at just 14 years of age. He burst onto the scene during the previous edition of the Indian Premier League, and his century against the Gujarat Titans will live long in the memories of cricket enthusiasts.

Suryavanshi has played at different levels for India since then, and an international call-up will be his target in 2026. While some feel that the selectors should nOt rush the southpaw into the side, others believe that he has what it takes to excel in the international arena.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.