Top Players who deserve a comeback in Team India’s T20I squad for World Cup 2026.
With the Asia Cup 2025 just weeks away and the ICC T20 World Cup looming on the horizon next year, the India T20 setup is at a fascinating crossroads. The retirement of legends, emergence of fresh talent, and evolving strategies under the new management have opened doors for several potent stars who, after brief absences or dips, are hungry for a return.
Among those knocking are Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav. Each of these players possess the hunger to drive India’s campaign in the Asia Cup.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
In a format obsessed with aggression, Yashasvi Jaiswal fits like a glove. His fearless batting during powerplays, ability to dismantle attackers from ball one, and left-handed dynamism have made him a standout prospect for India’s top order. Having been a backup opener behind Rohit Sharma during the T20 World Cup win last year, Jaiswal can now find himself front and centre this cycle due to Rohit’s retirement from T20Is.
Jaiswal has racked up 723 runs in 23 T20Is at a strike rate over 164, with a century and five fifties. In IPL 2025, he blasted 559 runs in 14 matches with six fifties at a strike rate near 160.
In his YouTube video, Ravichandran Ashwin, while analysing the Asia Cup squad prospects, also said that Jaiswal should be an ‘automatic inclusion’ and the de facto opener in Rohit’s absence. Analysts point to his ability to alter momentum in the first six overs, unsettle bowling plans, and offer crucial left-hand variety.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill’s T20I journey has hit roadblocks of late, with the rise of aggressive openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma pushing him to the sidelines in recent series. Yet, Gill’s substantial IPL numbers and evolving leadership skills make him indispensable in discussions about India’s best T20 line-up.
Gill last played T20Is in July 2024. His IPL 2025 numbers are quite impressive with 650 runs at 50 average, strike rate 155.9, while leading Gujarat Titans to the playoffs. Across 21 T20Is, Gill scores at 139.27 strike rate with one hundred and three fifties. In Tests, he captained India to a 2-2 draw against England and smashed 754 runs at 75.40.
Gill is also tipped to be named vice-captain for the Asia Cup and possibly the T20 World Cup squad, strengthening not only the batting but the side’s leadership depth as well.
With the squad capped at 15 for Asia Cup and World Cup, making room for both Jaiswal and Gill as openers, or slotting Gill at No 3, will be a selection conundrum. His measured approach, tactical acumen, and proven ability under pressure leave selectors little choice but to have him in their plans.
Read More: Essentials India must focus on to defend their title in T20 World Cup 2026
Sai Sudharsan
Perhaps the less-hyped name in broader conversations, Sai Sudharsan has to let his bat do the talking, especially in IPL 2025. Sudharsan amassed 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21, holding the coveted orange cap for much of the season. His strike rate (above 150) and consistency have propelled Gujarat Titans into the playoffs.
Sudharsan forms a prolific opening partnership with Gill, bringing balance between aggression and ambition. His technical soundness, ability to rotate strike, and mental strength in clutch moments make him a prime candidate for either top order or a floating role.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the T20I fold has left a noticeable gap in India’s middle-order stability, especially against spin and in chase scenarios. His exceptional IPL performances and proven leadership with Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have reignited calls for his comeback.
Across IPL 2024 and 2025, Iyer scored 955 runs in 31 innings at 45.48 average and 163.5 strike rate. In IPL 2025, he notched 604 runs at 50.33 average and 175.07 strike rate.
Also, his form in domestic cricket has been stellar. Representing Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Iyer hit 480 runs in seven innings at 68.57 average.
Known for his prowess against spin and rapid acceleration in the middle overs, Iyer’s return especially suits the subcontinental conditions of Asia Cup and the upcoming T20 World Cup, where pitches are likely to turn and slow down.
Read More: India’s T20I Juggernaut Rolls On: The Secret Behind Their Unstoppable Run
Mohammed Siraj
Siraj, celebrated for his Test contributions, is pushing for a T20I return with proven IPL pedigree and World Cup-winning experience. In IPL 2025, Mohammed Siraj took 16 wickets in 15 matches for Gujarat Titans (economy 9.24). Despite a higher economy, his knack for early breakthroughs and death bowling remains valuable. He was in India’s recent T20 World Cup squad and bowled crucial spells before Kuldeep Yadav replaced him in the business end.
With fresh blood in the T20 bowlers’ pool and high economy rate, Siraj’s place isn’t guaranteed, but his experience in big tournaments could see him picked in the Asia Cup squad, potentially as a backup for Jasprit Bumrah, or in case Mohammed Shami or Arshdeep Singh are not available.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep’s wrist-spin wizardry has often been the difference in key matches, but he faces intense competition from Varun Chakravarthy and other emerging spinners in India’s T20 system.
Kuldeep Yadav has played in all major ICC and continental tournaments since 2023. He has just resumed net training post-injury and aims for a full return in time for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.
Next year’s T20 World Cup in the subcontinent is likely to involve slower pitches and spinning decks, making Kuldeep’s art invaluable. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death, combined with big-game experience, position him as an essential squad member.
India’s selectors face a balancing act, between loyalty to proven performers and rewarding IPL and domestic consistency. The likes of Jaiswal, Gill, Sudharsan, Iyer, Siraj, and Kuldeep offer variety, experience, and flair that could define India’s fortunes in both the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
Read More: Abhishek Sharma stamps his authority with 37-ball hundred; Has he locked his place as India opener?
