India Asian Games 2026 Cricket Squad: Full Players List, Captain and Schedule
India will take part in the Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament with Shreyas Iyer as captain. The updated India squad includes experienced names such as Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel, along with young players like Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. BCCI has also made changes to the squad because of player injuries and availability.
India are one of the four seeded men teams, so they will not play in the group stage. Their Asian Games 2026 campaign will begin in the quarter-final on September 28, where India will face the runner-up of Group A. This article covers India's full squad, captain, key players, latest squad changes and complete schedule.
India Asian Games 2026 Cricket Squad: Who Has Been Selected?
India updated squad for the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket tournament has 14 players, with Shreyas Iyer as captain and Tilak Varma as vice-captain. The squad includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yash Thakur and Vipraj Nigam.
The squad has changed several times before the tournament. Yash Thakur replaced Harshit Rana, while Vipraj Nigam replaced Varun Chakaravarthy after his injury. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was originally selected for the Asian Games, was later withdrawn from the squad.
India Men Asian Games 2026 Squad Full Players List
| Player | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | Captain / Batter | |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter / All-rounder | |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-batter | |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper-batter | |
| Shivam Dube | All-rounder | |
| Tilak Varma | Batter | |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder | |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder | |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Spinner | |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast bowler | |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast bowler | |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Batter | |
| Yash Thakur | Fast bowler | |
| Vipraj Nigam | All-rounder |
The latest BCCI squad has 14 players, with Shreyas Iyer as captain and Tilak Varma as vice-captain. The list includes two wicketkeeper-batters, several all-rounders, and a mix of pace and spin options.
How Many Players Are in India's Asian Games 2026 Squad?
India have 14 players in the latest updated Asian Games 2026 men's squad. The squad was originally announced with 15 players, but changes were made before the tournament. Harshit Rana was replaced by Yash Thakur after a strain, Varun Chakaravarthy was later ruled out with a side strain and replaced by Vipraj Nigam, while Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn and moved into India's ODI plans.
So, for this article, 14 players should be treated as the latest official squad, rather than the 15-player original selection.
Which Players Were Replaced Before the Asian Games?
India’s Asian Games 2026 squad went through several changes before the tournament. Harshit Rana was replaced by Yash Thakur after Rana suffered a rectus femoris strain. Later, Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out with a side strain and Vipraj Nigam was named as his replacement. Nitish Kumar Reddy was also withdrawn from the Asian Games squad after being selected for India’s ODI series against the West Indies.
| Original Player | What Happened | Updated Player |
|---|---|---|
| Harshit Rana | Ruled out after a fitness issue | Yash Thakur |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Withdrawn from the Asian Games squad | No direct replacement announced |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Ruled out with a side strain | Vipraj Nigam |
These changes left India with a 14-player updated squad for the Asian Games 2026. The final list includes Yash Thakur and Vipraj Nigam, while Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Varun Chakaravarthy are no longer part of the tournament squad.
Who Is the Captain of India's Asian Games 2026 Cricket Team?
Shreyas Iyer is the captain of India’s Asian Games 2026 cricket team. The BCCI named Iyer as captain when it announced India’s squad for the tournament. Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain.
Iyer will lead India in the men’s cricket tournament in Japan. His role will be important as India starts its campaign from the quarter-final stage, with the team aiming to make a strong run in the knockout rounds.
Shreyas Iyer Named India Captain for Asian Games 2026
Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of India for the Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament. The BCCI selected Iyer to lead the men's team, while Tilak Varma will serve as vice-captain. Iyer was also named India's T20I captain earlier in 2026 as the team prepared for its upcoming T20 assignments.
Iyer will lead a squad that includes experienced players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Sanju Samson, along with young players including Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. India will enter the Asian Games men's tournament at the quarter-final stage, making Iyer's leadership an important part of India's knockout campaign.
What Will Shreyas Iyer's Role Be in India Asian Games Campaign?
Shreyas Iyer will have an important role as India's captain and senior batter during the Asian Games 2026. He will lead the team on the field, help set the batting plan, manage the bowling options and guide the younger players in the squad. Tilak Varma will support him as vice-captain.
Iyer will also be expected to contribute with the bat in India's knockout campaign. As India are one of the four seeded teams, they will start directly in the quarter-final on September 28, rather than playing the group stage. This gives Iyer and his team little room for mistakes from their first match.
Which Players Are the Key Names in India Asian Games Squad?
India’s Asian Games 2026 squad has a mix of experienced international players, strong all-rounders and young talent. Players such as Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma can play important roles, while younger names like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vipraj Nigam add more options to the team.
| Player | Main Role | Why They Are Important |
|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | Captain / Batter | Leads the team and adds experience in the batting order |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter / All-rounder | Provides attacking batting and a useful bowling option |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-batter | Offers experience and power in the batting line-up |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast bowler | India's main pace option and an experienced international bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast bowler | Left-arm pace option who can bowl in different phases |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder | Adds both batting depth and left-arm spin |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder | Provides off-spin and useful lower-order batting |
| Tilak Varma | Batter | Young middle-order batter and vice-captain |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Batter | One of the youngest players and an exciting batting option |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Spinner | Leg-spin option who can take wickets in the middle overs |
Is the Indian Asian Games 2026 Squad Different From the Main T20 Team?
Yes, India’s Asian Games 2026 squad is different from its main T20I team. Several players are common to both squads, including Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. However, the T20I squad for the West Indies series includes players such as Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav, while the Asian Games squad includes Jasprit Bumrah and the latest replacement, Yash Thakur.
The difference is mainly because India has different international commitments around the same time. The Asian Games men's cricket tournament begins on September 24, while India's West Indies white-ball series also starts in late September. As a result, the selectors have used separate combinations for the two assignments.
Why Is India Asian Games 2026 Squad Different From the Main T20 Team?
India’s Asian Games 2026 squad is different from the main T20I team mainly because the two assignments are taking place around the same time. India’s Asian Games campaign starts in September, while the senior T20I team has a home series against the West Indies beginning later in the month. This means the selectors have had to manage player availability and prepare separate squads for the two competitions.
The Asian Games squad still includes several senior T20 players, such as Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh. However, the latest Asian Games changes also show how availability affected the selection: Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn, while Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out and the squad was adjusted with Vipraj Nigam. The Asian Games team also includes Jasprit Bumrah, while the current West Indies T20I squad has different bowling options.
Why Is India Using a Different Combination for the Asian Games?
India is using a different combination for the Asian Games because the tournament comes during a busy period in the team’s international schedule. The Asian Games men's cricket event starts on September 24, while India also has other T20 commitments around the same time. This means the selectors have to manage player availability and build a squad that can handle the Asian Games campaign.
The Asian Games squad still has many of India’s regular T20 players, including Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh. At the same time, changes were needed after player availability and fitness issues. Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn, Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out, and Vipraj Nigam was added to the squad.
Which Regular India Players Are Missing From the Asian Games Squad?
India’s Asian Games squad includes many of its current T20 players, but some names from the latest senior T20I squad are missing. The main T20I squad for the West Indies series includes Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav, while these players are not part of the updated Asian Games squad.
| Player | Latest T20I Squad | Asian Games Squad | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuldeep Yadav | Yes | No | Not selected for Asian Games |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Yes | No | Withdrawn from Asian Games squad |
| Prince Yadav | Yes | No | Selected for West Indies T20Is |
| Mayank Yadav | Yes | No | Selected for West Indies T20Is |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | No | No | Ruled out of Asian Games with a side strain |
| Harshit Rana | No | No | Ruled out after a strain and replaced by Yash Thakur |
Some changes happened after the original Asian Games squad was announced. Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn, while Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out and replaced by Vipraj Nigam. Harshit Rana was also ruled out earlier and replaced by Yash Thakur. As a result, the latest Asian Games squad has a different combination from India's senior T20I team.
When Will India Play Cricket at the Asian Games 2026?
India’s men’s cricket team will play its first match at the Asian Games 2026 on September 28, 2026. India are one of the four seeded teams, so they do not play in the group stage. Their first match will be a quarter-final against the runner-up of Group A, which contains Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal.
The India quarter-final is scheduled for September 28 at 1:30 PM Japan time (10:30 AM IST). If India qualify, they will play the semi-final on October 1, followed by the bronze-medal match or final on October 3, depending on their progress.
When Is India's First Asian Games Cricket Match?
India’s first men’s cricket match at the Asian Games 2026 is on September 28, 2026. India are one of the four seeded teams, so they do not play in the group stage. Their first match will be the second quarter-final against the runner-up of Group A, which includes Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal. The match is scheduled to start at 1:30 PM Japan time.
India will then move to the semi-finals on October 1 if they win their quarter-final. The men’s final is scheduled for October 3. India are also the defending Asian Games men’s cricket champions after winning gold at the previous edition.
Who Will India Face in the Asian Games 2026 Quarter-Final?
India will face the second-placed team from Group A in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket quarter-final. Group A includes Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal, with the top two teams moving into the knockout stage. This means India could face Afghanistan, Japan or Nepal, depending on the final Group A standings.
India’s quarter-final is scheduled for September 28, 2026 at 1:30 PM Japan time. India are one of the four seeded teams and therefore received a direct place in the quarter-finals without playing the group stage.
India Asian Games 2026 Cricket Schedule and Fixtures
India will start its Asian Games 2026 men's cricket campaign in the quarter-final stage because India is one of the four seeded teams. The official schedule confirms that India’s quarter-final is against the runner-up of Group A on September 28. If India qualifies, the team will continue to the semi-final on October 1 and could play the final or bronze-medal match on October 3.
| Date | Match | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 28, 2026 | Quarter-final | Group A runner-up | 1:30 PM |
| October 1, 2026 | Semi-final* | Winner of CKT17 | 1:30 PM |
| October 3, 2026 | Final* | TBC | 1:30 PM |
| October 3, 2026 | Bronze Medal Match* | TBC | 9:00 AM |
These matches depend on India’s progress in the tournament. All times are Japan local time, according to the official Asian Games schedule.
Which Teams Can India Face on Its Way to the Asian Games Final?
India will enter the Asian Games 2026 men cricket knockout stage directly in the quarter-finals. Its first opponent will be the runner-up of Group A, which means India could face Afghanistan, Japan or Nepal depending on the group standings. If India wins that match, it will move into the semi-final and face the winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner.
| Stage | India Possible Opponent | How the Opponent Is Decided |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | Group A runner-up | Afghanistan, Japan or Nepal |
| Semi-final | Winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner | Depends on the CKT17 result |
| Final | Winner of the other semi-final | Depends on the opposite side of the bracket |
India's route also means that Pakistan cannot meet India before the final under the published bracket. Pakistan is on the other semi-final side, where it will play the Group B runner-up in its quarter-final. If both teams win their matches through the semi-finals, India and Pakistan could meet in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final on October 3.
India Possible Quarter-Final Opponent
India will face the runner-up of Group A in the Asian Games 2026 quarter-final. Group A has Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal, so India’s opponent will be the team that finishes second in that group. The quarter-final is scheduled for September 28, 2026 at 1:30 PM Japan time.
This means India could face Afghanistan, Japan or Nepal, but the exact opponent will only be known after all Group A matches are completed. India does not need to play the group stage because it is one of the four seeded teams in the men’s tournament.
India's Possible Semi-Final Opponent
If India wins its quarter-final on September 28, it will move to the semi-final on October 1, 2026. According to the official knockout bracket, India will face the winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner. Group A contains Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal, so India’s possible semi-final opponent could be Sri Lanka or the team that finishes first in Group A.
| Stage | India Possible Opponent | How It Is Decided |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | Group A runner-up | Winner of Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal group stage |
| Semi-final | Sri Lanka or Group A winner | Winner of CKT17 |
| Semi-final date | October 1, 2026 | If India wins its quarter-final |
India semi-final is scheduled for 1:30 PM Japan time. The exact opponent will only be known after the Group A matches and the CKT17 quarter-final are completed.
Can India Play Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026?
Yes, India can play Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket tournament, but only in the final under the published knockout bracket. India and Pakistan are seeded on opposite sides of the draw. India will play the Group A runner-up in its quarter-final, while Pakistan will face the Group B runner-up.
If both teams win their quarter-finals and then their respective semi-finals, they will meet in the gold-medal final on October 3, 2026. They cannot meet in the quarter-final or semi-final because their paths are on opposite sides of the knockout bracket.
| Stage | India | Pakistan | Can They Meet? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | vs Group A runner-up | vs Group B runner-up | No |
| Semi-final | CKT16 winner vs CKT17 winner | CKT15 winner vs CKT18 winner | No |
| Final | If India reaches final | If Pakistan reaches final | Yes |
So, India vs Pakistan is possible only in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final, provided both teams reach the gold-medal match.
Can India Defend Its Asian Games Cricket Gold Medal in 2026?
India will enter the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket tournament as the defending gold-medal champion. The team won gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, making 2026 another chance for India to retain its title. India has also received a direct place in the quarter-finals as one of the four seeded teams.
India’s first match will be against the runner-up of Group A on September 28. If India wins that match and continues through the knockout stage, the team can reach the semi-final on October 1 and the gold-medal final on October 3.
India as the Defending Men Asian Games Cricket Champion
India are the defending men's Asian Games cricket champions after winning the gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. India reached the final against Afghanistan, but the match was washed out by rain. India were awarded the gold medal because they had the higher seeding going into the final.
In the 2026 Asian Games, India will try to defend that title in Japan. The team has received a direct place in the quarter-finals along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, so India will begin its campaign from the knockout stage rather than the group stage.
What Does India Need to Do to Reach the Gold Medal Match?
India need to win two knockout matches to reach the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket gold-medal match. First, India must beat the Group A runner-up in the quarter-final on September 28. If India wins, the team will then play the winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner in the semi-final on October 1.
If India wins both matches, it will qualify for the gold-medal final on October 3. India are one of the four seeded teams and therefore do not need to play the group stage.
| Stage | Date | India's Opponent | What India Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | September 28 | Group A runner-up | Win |
| Semi-final | October 1 | Winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner | Win |
| Gold Medal Match | October 3 | Winner of the other semi-final | Reach final |
The quarter-final and semi-final are therefore the two matches India must win before it can compete for the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket gold medal.
FAQs:
Who is India's captain in Asian Games 2026 cricket?
Shreyas Iyer is India's captain for the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket tournament, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain.
Who is in India's Asian Games 2026 cricket squad?
India's updated squad includes Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vipraj Nigam.
How many players are in India's Asian Games cricket squad?
India's latest updated Asian Games 2026 men's cricket squad has 14 players.
When will India play in the Asian Games 2026?
India will play its first match on September 28, 2026, when it faces the Group A runner-up in the quarter-final.
Who will India face in the Asian Games quarter-final?
India will face the runner-up of Group A, which will be one of Afghanistan, Japan or Nepal.
Is India defending its Asian Games cricket title?
Yes. India are the defending men Asian Games cricket champions after winning the gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
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