Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill DROPPED as Former Indian star picks India’s openers for 2026 T20 World Cup

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.