‘My Thambi Sanju’ – R Ashwin’s heartfelt praise for Samson in India’s World Cup squad | Cricket News
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his excitement about the Indian team for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, highlighting the team’s preparation to defend their title. The former Indian spinner also praised his ‘brother’, Sanju Samson, and praised Ishan Kishan for making a remarkable comeback to international cricket. In a move that surprised many fans, defending champions India have left Shubman Gill out of the squad for next year’s T20 World Cup, as well as the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, alongside the captain Suryakumar Yadavchief selector Ajit Agarkar and vice-captain Axar Patel, the team features several notable changes.
Alongside Gill, keeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma was also ruled out, making way for the return of Ishan Kishan. Kishan earned his place after leading Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, scoring big goals and displaying exceptional form throughout the tournament. Rinku Singh also returned to the team after missing India’s 3-1 win in the T20I series in South Africa.
Message from Ashwin
“Charging the title defense. Superb team. Glad to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju, who will now deservedly open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta! Big applause for Ishan, who showed his hunger by working hard in the domestic circuit,” Ashwin wrote on X, highlighting the mix of experience and fresh energy in the team. The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will take place from February 7 to March 8, with 40 group stage matches expected to conclude by February 20. The top two teams from each of the four groups will qualify for the Super Eight, starting February 21. This edition of the tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka previously hosted the T20 World Cup in 2012, while India last hosted the event in 2016. Before the World Cup, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting January 21 in Nagpur. The series will also feature matches in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. In the World Cup, India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. The team opens its campaign against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. The next match will be against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12. The much-hyped clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The group stage concludes with a match against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 18.
