Axar Patel eyes T20 World Cup 2026 as India’s primary goal

India’s vice-captain Axar Patel has emphasized that the team’s main focus is on preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026 as they gear up for the five-match T20I series against England. Axar highlighted the importance of building momentum and taking forward the positives from past performances to ensure India is ready to defend their title next year.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the series opener at Eden Gardens, Axar said, “The World Cup is coming up in a year, so we want to start preparing now. That’s the main target. Momentum is crucial—if you start well, you can carry it forward. We finished 2024 strongly, so we want to continue that into this series as well.”

India has been dominant in T20 cricket, winning 24 out of 26 matches in 2024, including lifting the T20 World Cup in Barbados. However, Axar stressed that the team is not dwelling on past success. “The past is past. We want to move ahead with the positives we gained and continue improving,” he added.

The Indian T20I setup is undergoing a generational shift, with stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from the format. Suryakumar Yadav, now the T20I captain, has stepped into Rohit’s shoes, leading a younger side through this transitional phase.

“Transition is happening across all formats, but it’s for the selectors and captain to decide how to manage it,” Axar said, acknowledging the changes while maintaining the team’s focus on consistency and performance.

The five-match T20I series against England begins on Wednesday at Eden Gardens, offering India an opportunity to fine-tune their squad and strategies. This series serves as a stepping stone for the team’s participation in the Champions Trophy next month and the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026.

India squad for T20I series against England: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).