Star India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes Shubman Gill will probably retain the vice-captaincy for the T20 World Cup 2026, however Hardik Pandya could also be a possible choice.
Published: December 19, 2025 4:51 PM IST
New Delhi: Star India batter Aakash Chopra feels that Shubman Gill is likely to continue as the vice-captain for the T20 World Cup 2026, although he believes Hardik Pandya might be considered for the role. Gill was named deputy to captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, but following his disappointing form he has faced intense backlash. While selecting his predicted squad for the T20 World Cup, Chopra included Gill, adding that while the team management may back him, the selectors might choose to keep the vice-captaincy position open or even hand it to Hardik Pandya.
Aakash believes the team might leave the vice-captain slot open
“The fact is that Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Sanju Samson will be the three openers in this team. I have picked Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper and an opening option. As for Abhishek Sharma, let’s not even talk about it, because I feel he could be the highest run-scorer of the World Cup,” Chopra said on YouTube.
“If you are wondering why Shubman Gill has been picked-if you have appointed someone vice-captain, you won’t pivot that soon. I am not going to put my neck on the line and say that Shubman definitely 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 selected Jitesh Sharma as the main wicketkeeper
Chopra selected Jitesh Sharma as the main wicketkeeper alongside Sanju Samson. For the bowling attack, he picked Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana as the specialist pacers, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube offering additional pace-bowling options.
“After that, Jasprit Bumrah-let’s not discuss him; why waste time? Arshdeep Singh, let’s not discuss; why waste time? Then Varun Chakaravarthy-there is no discussion. Why should we waste your and my time? I feel Varun Chakaravarthy could be the highest wicket-taker of this tournament,” Chopra observed.
“After that, you have to keep Kuldeep Yadav in the team to give yourselves options. Then only one slot is left. You can pick any fast bowler there, so I am keeping Harshit Rana. He also provides a batting option at No. 8,” he elaborated.
Aakash Chopra’s India Squad for the T20 World Cup 2026: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.
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