‘Gill can be a specialist batter, but not vice-captain’ – Aakash Chopra predicts India’s T20 World Cup team

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has revealed his anticipated 15-man roster for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Chopra’s selection shows a strategic shift towards multi-skilled utility players, as well as the introduction of mystery spin alternatives.

His squad has been strongly impacted by recent exploits in the South Africa T20 International series. While the core group from the 2024 T20 setup stays unchanged, Chopra’s study reveals significant shifts in leadership dynamics and finishing roles that have long defined India’s T20 identity.

Chopra’s opinion highlights the uncertainty surrounding the vice-captaincy, which is now held by Shubman Gill. Despite Gill’s inclusion in the squad as a specialist opener, Chopra questioned his long-term suitability for a leadership role, noting recent fitness issues and a drop in his T20I strike rate. He urged that the selectors reinstate Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, acting as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy.

“The fact is that Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson will be the three openers part of this team. I have picked Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper and an opening option. Abhishek Sharma, let’s not talk about it, because I feel he could be the highest run-scorer of the World Cup,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“If you are wondering why Shubman Gill has been picked, if you have appointed someone the vice-captain, you won’t pivot that soon. I am not going to put my neck on the line and say that Shubman only will be the vice-captain. The team might leave the vice-captain slot open, or they might appoint Hardik Pandya just to keep their options open,” he added.

Chopra’s decision to include Washington Sundar ahead of specialist finisher Rinku Singh sparked considerable debate. He acknowledged that the Indian team management currently prioritises utility over pure specialisation, particularly on subcontinental pitches where an additional bowling option can prove decisive.

While Chopra praised Rinku’s elite striking ability at the death, he argued that Sundar’s value lies in his versatility, especially his ability to bowl effectively in the powerplay while also adding batting depth to the lower order. Along similar lines, Chopra backed Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube, citing their secondary bowling skills and their proven ability to dismantle spin during the middle overs.

“After that, one more wicketkeeper will be required. You need a minimum of two wicketkeepers in the squad. So you have to keep Jitesh Sharma in the team. After that, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. These all-rounders should be locked. These three are 100 percent part of the team. Even if Sanju opens, you will have to play Jitesh because this team has started giving preference to Washington Sundar. I think it’s a toss-up whether to take Rinku or Washi. The team feels they won’t be able to use Rinku at all, so they should keep Washi,” said Chopra.