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As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches its February 7 start date, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stirred the selection debate by revealing his ideal Indian playing XI. Speaking on his YouTube channel on January 27, 2026, Kaif offered a bold blueprint for the defending champions, prioritizing batting depth and spin variety for the subcontinental conditions in India and Sri Lanka.
Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan? Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner for the T20 World Cup 2026
A central point of Kaif’s analysis was the battle for the opening slot alongside the explosive Abhishek Sharma. Despite recent struggles, Kaif backed Sanju Samson to open the batting, though he warned that the upcoming matches against New Zealand are a final ultimatum. Speaking on his Youtube Channel, Kaif explained: “If Sanju does not score in the next two games, then Ishan will come above and Tilak will come at three. He is a proven player and you want to make him come back. But he will come straight into the World Cup without any practice. We have to see how he will be tested now. Either of Sanju or Ishan will play. There is a competition there now. The next two innings of Sanju will decide who will play.”
India’s playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026: Harshit Rana over Arshdeep Singh
In a move that surprised many, Kaif opted for Harshit Rana over the experienced Arshdeep Singh to partner Jasprit Bumrah, citing the need for a long batting tail. He noted: “Harshit Rana will play at eight. Maybe Arshdeep will miss out there. We have seen when Arshdeep plays, Bumrah does not play. So Arshdeep will sit out. The three pacers will be Hardik, Rana, and Bumrah. Rana is ahead in the XI as he can bat at eight.”
Furthermore, in the middle-order tussle, Kaif placed Shivam Dube ahead of the fan-favorite finisher Rinku Singh, stating: “Dube was a part of the 2024 winning team. He has been playing since then and is bowling as well now. If one has to be picked between him and Rinku, I feel he is ahead.” He concluded that having match-winners like Rinku on the bench is a “good headache” for the Indian team management.
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Mohammad Kaif’s predicted India XI for T20 World Cup 2026
Kaif’s final selection emphasizes a balance of three pacers (including Hardik Pandya) and a potent three-pronged spin attack to exploit home conditions:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Hardik Pandya
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
India’s current form under Suryakumar Yadav and T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
The ‘Men in Blue’ will enter the World Cup in devastating form, currently leading their home T20I series against New Zealand 3-0. Following this series, India will launch their World Cup campaign in Group A against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7. This is followed by a fixture against Namibia in Delhi on February 12, and the high-voltage showdown against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. They wrap up the group stage against the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad, as they look to defend their crown and become the first-ever three-time T20 World Cup winners.
Also READ: Not Abhishek Sharma! Dale Steyn predicts leading run-scorer for T20 World Cup 2026
