Former India opener Wasim Jaffer expressed his preference for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jitesh Sharma to be included in the squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, suggesting they should replace Ishan Kishan and Washington Sundar.
Jaffer’s comments followed the decision to drop Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill from the squad for India’s T20 World Cup title defense, as well as a five-match preparatory series against New Zealand. All-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed as vice-captain, while wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan made the cut due to his outstanding performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh has returned to the team in place of Jitesh, especially with India now having two keeper-batters who can open the innings.
“Why not Jaiswal & Jitesh? I would have them in place of Ishan & Washi. Axar is VC so he’s sure to play and you can’t play Washi ahead of Varun and Kuldeep. Jitesh hasn’t done anything wrong to be dropped and Yashasvi, don’t need any explaining why he shouldn’t be there in first place,” Jaffer wrote on his ‘X’ account.
Jaiswal last featured for India in T20Is during their tour of Sri Lanka in July 2024, not participating consistently due to his commitments in Test matches. The upcoming 10th edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, with 20 teams participating.
India enters the tournament as the defending champions, having secured a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final held in Barbados in June 2024. In this edition, India is drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia.
India will kick off their campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, followed by a match against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12. The highly anticipated clash against Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, concluding the league stage with a game against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 18.