Former Test opener predicts India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026, says star all-rounder might take vice-captain’s role from Gill

Aakash Chopra predicted India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7 next year. The former India opener reckons that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya could replace the out-of-form Shubman Gill as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy.

Shubman was appointed vice-captain of the Indian team in the shortest format during the Asia Cup in September. Since then, he has continued in the role but hasn’t achieved much success with the bat. In his last 15 T20Is, Shubman has aggregated 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26.

While Chopra feels that Shubman might lose vice-captaincy, he kept him as one of the three openers in his side, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma being the other options.

“The fact is that Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson will be the three openers part of this team. I have picked Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper and an opening option. Abhishek Sharma, let’s not talk about it, because I feel he could be the highest run-scorer of the World Cup,” Chopra said in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel.

“If you are wondering why Shubman Gill has been picked, if you have appointed someone the vice-captain, you won’t pivot that soon. I am not going to put my neck on the line and say that Shubman only will be the vice-captain. The team might leave the vice-captain slot open, or they might appoint Hardik Pandya just to keep their options open,” he added.

Chopra picked Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav as middle-order batters and backed the latter to continue leading the side.

“After that, there are two middle-order batters. If you have Abhishek at the top of the order, you have Tilak Varma here. Both are our dependable batters. Along with him, Suryakumar Yadav’s name will be there. If someone raises doubts that Surya hasn’t scored runs, he has been making the team win consistently since 2024. He will continue to be our captain,” he elaborated.

Chopra named Jitesh Sharma as the wicketkeeper alongside Samson. The 48-year-old followed it up with all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.

“After that, one more wicketkeeper will be required. You need a minimum of two wicketkeepers in the squad. So you have to keep Jitesh Sharma in the team. After that, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. These all-rounders should be locked. These three are 100 percent part of the team,” Chopra observed.

Rinku Singh or Washington Sundar? Aakash Chopra shares his views

Chopra mentioned that the team management will have to take a call on whether to pick Rinku Singh or Washington Sundar in the side. However, this management has a strong affinity towards all-rounders, and it seems that Sundar would eventually get the nod.

“Even if Sanju opens, you will have to play Jitesh because this team has started giving preference to Washington Sundar. I think it’s a toss-up whether to take Rinku or Washi. The team feels they won’t be able to use Rinku at all, so they should keep Washi,” he said.

In the bowling department, Chopra didn’t take much time in naming the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy. He picked the latter to finish with the highest number of wickets in the World Cup.

“After that, Jasprit Bumrah. Let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Arshdeep Singh, let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Then Varun Chakaravarthy. There is no discussion. Why should we waste your and my time? I feel Varun Chakaravarthy could be the highest wicket-taker of this tournament,” Chopra observed.

Apart from this troika, Chopra picked Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana in the squad. The former Delhi captain said that Rana’s batting ability could come in handy at No. 8.

“After that, you have to keep Kuldeep Yadav in the team. You are giving yourselves options. Then only one slot is left. You can pick any fast bowler there. So I am keeping Harshit Rana there. He also provides a batting option at No. 8,” he explained.