T20 World Cup 2026: 3 players who could star for India

Published - 21 Dec 2025, 16:23 IST | Updated - 21 Dec 2025, 16:23 IST

The Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 was announced on December 20, and it featured a few surprising inclusions and exclusions that sparked debate among experts and fans alike. With the tournament set to be played at home, India will enter the competition as defending champions, carrying high expectations from the home crowd. While the squad looks strong on paper, a few individuals are expected to rise above the rest and play a decisive role.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy could be one of India’s biggest match-winners in the tournament. He has been highly effective in T20 cricket across conditions, troubling batters with his variations and pace variations. Chakravarthy has often been a game-changer during the middle overs, a phase where matches are frequently won or lost in the shortest format. His ability to apply pressure and pick up crucial wickets has made him a vital cog in India’s bowling attack.

In T20 internationals, he has claimed 55 wickets at an excellent average of 14.87 while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.96. Having risen through the ranks via strong IPL performances, Chakravarthy is now India’s frontline spinner in the shortest format. Indian pitches, which tend to assist spinners, are expected to suit him perfectly, making him a key weapon in the multi-nation tournament.