India have officially announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 along with the T20I series against New Zealand, with some significant selection calls grabbing attention. The biggest development is the omission of Shubman Gill, who has not only been removed from the vice-captaincy role but also dropped entirely from the Suryakumar Yadav-led side.

The selection panel has opted for continuity in leadership, retaining Suryakumar Yadav as captain, while all-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed as the new vice-captain. The same squad will feature in both the global tournament and the bilateral T20I series against New Zealand.

Axar Patel elevated, Ishan Kishan returns

Axar Patel’s elevation to vice-captain reflects the team management’s trust in his all-round abilities and recent performances. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has made a return to the national setup, replacing Jitesh Sharma, who has been left out of the squad.

Kishan’s recall follows his impressive outing in domestic cricket, where he played a key role in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, strengthening his case for a comeback in the shortest format.

Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar included

Middle-order batter Rinku Singh has found a place in the squad, adding depth to India’s batting line-up, while Washington Sundar’s inclusion boosts the all-round options available to the team. The bowling attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, supported by spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Harshit Rana has also been named in the squad, underlining the selectors’ intent to back emerging pace options.

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20Is

The squad announced for both assignments includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh.

Veteran Malayalam cinema actor, screenwriter and director Sreenivasan died on Saturday morning at the age of 69, marking the end of an era in the state’s film industry. He breathed his last at a government hospital in Tripunithura near Kochi after developing breathing difficulties while travelling for dialysis.

Sreenivasan had been dealing with prolonged health issues and had undergone heart surgery in 2022. According to hospital authorities, he passed away around 8.30 am. His body was later shifted to his residence, and it will be kept at Ernakulam Town Hall for public homage before the last rites are held at his home.

A life rooted in cinema and social satire

Born on April 6, 1956, at Pattiam in Kannur district, Sreenivasan studied economics before moving to Chennai to pursue film studies. He made his acting debut in 1976 and gradually emerged as one of the most influential creative voices in Malayalam cinema.

Over the decades, he became widely known not just for his performances but also for his sharp and socially aware screenplays. His writing career took off in the 1980s and included several collaborations with leading filmmakers of the time. Many of his works, especially political and social satires, continue to be referenced in public discourse.

Sreenivasan made his directorial debut in 1989 with a film that later earned a Kerala State Film Award and came to be regarded as a classic. He also directed a National Film Award-winning film in the late 1990s, in which he played the lead role. His political satire released in the early 1990s received a state award for best story and remains one of the most discussed films in Malayalam cinema.

Tributes pour in from across Kerala

Several political leaders and film personalities expressed deep grief over his passing. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the death as an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema, calling Sreenivasan a versatile talent who excelled in every sphere of filmmaking. He said the filmmaker had a rare ability to portray the life of the common man through humour and satire, even while challenging long-standing conventions.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan termed Sreenivasan a multifaceted genius who brought powerful social messages to the screen with extraordinary simplicity. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said Sreenivasan would remain an eternal inspiration for his ability to present serious themes in an engaging manner rooted in everyday life.

Filmmaker Sathyan Anthikkad, a long-time collaborator and friend, recalled that despite his declining health, Sreenivasan remained mentally sharp and deeply reflective until the end.

Family and personal life

After settling in Kochi, Sreenivasan was also known for practising organic farming near his residence. He is survived by his wife Vimala and their two sons, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom are active in the Malayalam film industry.

With his passing, Malayalam cinema loses a voice that consistently blended humour, realism and social commentary, leaving behind characters and dialogues that continue to resonate with audiences.

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.