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T20 World Cup 2026: Selectors weigh Shubman Gill role as India squad announcement awaited

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement is awaited, with selectors debating Shubman Gill’s role amid strong performances from senior players.

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Shubman Gill

The Indian cricket team is set to announce its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 along with the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand on Saturday. The selection meeting will be held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, followed by a press conference addressed by captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

The New Zealand T20I series, scheduled for late January, will be India’s final assignment in the shortest format before the T20 World Cup, which will be played from February 7 to March 8 and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Shubman Gill’s form and vice-captaincy under scanner

One of the key talking points ahead of the squad announcement is Shubman Gill’s position in the team, particularly his role as vice-captain. Gill’s recent T20I form has drawn attention within selection discussions, even though he is expected to remain part of the squad.

Media reports suggest the selectors are deliberating between Gill, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh while finalising the combination. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has also indicated that while Gill may continue as vice-captain, the team management could keep the slot open or consider Hardik Pandya as an alternative to maintain flexibility.

Core group likely to remain intact

Several senior players are considered certain selections for the World Cup squad. Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to feature prominently. The pace attack is likely to include Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube are set to fill the all-rounder roles.

India is also expected to continue with two wicketkeepers, with Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma emerging as the preferred choices.

Jaiswal waits in the wings

While there are no major vacancies in the squad, Yashasvi Jaiswal remains a player to watch. With Gill’s position under discussion, the selectors may consider naming Jaiswal in the New Zealand T20I squad to assess his readiness as a backup option ahead of the World Cup.

Recent form boosts confidence

India come into the selection process after a strong showing against South Africa, clinching the five-match T20I series 3-1. In the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad, Hardik Pandya played a crucial role with a 63-run knock off 25 balls, underlining his importance in the middle order and as a leadership option.

The selection committee also retains the option to make changes to the 15-member squad until the start of the World Cup, offering room for adjustments based on form and conditions.

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Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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