Tilak Varma Returns at No.3 as Ishan Kishan Opens in India vs USA 2026 T20
The excitement around the T20 World Cup 2026 is palpable as India prepares to face the USA. With key player Tilak Varma returning from injury, his presence solidifies the crucial No. 3 batting position. This shift allows Ishan Kishan to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma, creating a formidable start for the Indian team.
T20 World Cup 2026: India vs USA Match Preview
Captain Suryakumar Yadav has made it clear that Kishan will not bat lower than No. 3, which complicates the selection for Sanju Samson. Samson recently struggled in the T20 series against New Zealand, making his inclusion unlikely.
Bowling Line-up
India’s bowling attack is expected to feature experienced players. The primary pace bowlers will likely be:
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Hardik Pandya
Shivam Dube may be included based on match conditions. Mohammed Siraj has joined the squad to replace the injured Harshit Rana, but he is not expected to play in the first match against the USA.
Spin Department
The spin bowling duties will largely be handled by:
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Axar Patel (vice-captain)
Kuldeep Yadav is likely to miss out on selection for this match.
Predicted Playing XI
Based on current formations, here are the predicted line-ups for both teams:
India’s Predicted XI
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel (vc)
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
USA’s Predicted XI
- Andries Gous
- Saiteja Mukkamalla
- Shayan Jahangir
- Monank Patel (c & wk)
- Milind Kumar
- Harmeet Singh
- Shubham Ranjane
- Sanjai Krishnamurthi
- Mohammed Mohsin
- Shadley Van Schalkwyk
- Saurabh Netravalkar
As the tournament unfolds, the clash between India and the USA promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing talent and strategy on the world stage.
