The 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March next year, is already generating buzz. India, the defending champions after lifting the 2024 title under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, will enter the tournament as strong contenders to win the trophy back-to-back, having ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought in style.
Amid the build-up, former India star Suresh Raina has weighed in on the team’s opening combination for the marquee event. With several batters in contention, Raina believes the selectors should back the exciting duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma as India’s go-to opening pair. He also suggested that Priyansh Arya deserves consideration for the role, adding another explosive option at the top of the order.
“I think…mujhe lagta hai Yashasvi ek hai (Yashasvi is one). They can also look for Priyansh Arya; Abhishek Sharma is there, and Sanju Samson is there. KL Rahul is also there. He has performed wherever he got a chance. Ruturaj Gaikwad has also scored many runs. But I would prefer Abhishek Sharma. Shubman Gill can be captain as well; you never know,” Raina said on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel.
“Mujhe lagta hai inko I think Yashasvi Jaiswal, Priyansh Arya aur Abhishek Sharma – teeno leftie mein se 2 koi ho sakte hai (I think the two openers will be chosen among Yashasvi Jaiswal, Priyansh Arya and Abhishek Sharma). Shubman Gill 3 number ho sakte hai (Shubman Gill can bat at No.3),” he added.
Raina’s Picks and India’s Current T20I Scenario
Interestingly, among the three players mentioned by Suresh Raina, Abhishek Sharma is the only one who is currently a regular feature in India’s T20I set-up. Yashasvi Jaiswal last played the format in July 2024, while Priyansh Arya is still awaiting his international debut.
India Gears Up for Asia Cup 2025
Before turning their attention fully to the World Cup, Team India will focus on the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9. Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue will open their campaign against UAE on September 10, followed by a high-voltage clash against Pakistan on September 14. Their group stage will conclude with a match against Oman on September 19, as they look to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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