India T20 World Cup 2026 Openers Picked by Suresh Raina
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be played in India and Sri Lanka during February and March. A total of 20 teams will compete in the shortest format mega-event. India, who won the 2024 edition under Rohit Sharma in the West Indies and USA, will aim for a record third title.
Former India batter Suresh Raina has named his preferred opening options for India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Several contenders are in line, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and KL Rahul. But Raina gave his clear preference while speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel.
Raina Backs Jaiswal and Abhishek or Arya
Raina strongly backed Jaiswal as one of the openers. He also highlighted Abhishek Sharma and IPL 2025 star Priyansh Arya as options.
“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.
“Mujhe lagta hai inko I think Yashasvi Jaiswal, Priyansh Arya aur Abhishek Sharma – teeno leftie mein se 2 koi ho sakte hai. Shubman Gill 3 number ho sakte hai,” he added.
Players’ Recent Form
Jaiswal has 723 runs in 23 T20Is for India. Abhishek Sharma, who tops the ICC T20I batter’s ranking, has 535 runs in 17 games. Arya is uncapped but impressed for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
Raina on Rishabh Pant’s Return
When asked about Pant’s future in the T20I setup, Raina supported his comeback.
“Aana chahiye. Last game mein usne shatak banaya hai (He should be there. In the last game, he scored a century,” Raina said.
Pant was India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in T20 World Cup 2024. However, he endured a poor run in IPL 2025.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching fast, India’s selection debates are heating up. Raina’s picks of Jaiswal, Abhishek, and Arya as potential openers will keep the conversation alive.
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