No Player from IPL 2026 Winning RCB Team Included in India’s T20I Squads for Ireland and England
India's T20I squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland (2 T20Is) and England (5 T20Is) have been announced, conspicuously missing any players from the IPL 2026 champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Shreyas Iyer will lead the new-look squad, featuring 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who also won the Orange Cap and MVP in IPL 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India's 16-member T20 International squads for the impending white-ball tours to Ireland and England, notably omitting any players from the victorious Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad that clinched the IPL 2026 title just a week ago. This decision, announced on June 6, 2026, signals a bold new direction for India's T20 ambitions, prioritising a blend of youth and new leadership under freshly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer. Shreyas Iyer Named India's New T20I Captain; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Earns Maiden Call-Up for Ireland and England Series.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second consecutive IPL trophy on May 31, 2026, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Star batsman Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award. Rajat Patidar, who led RCB's campaign, also played a pivotal role throughout the season. However, neither Kohli nor Patidar, nor any other RCB champion, find a place in the squads set to face Ireland in two T20Is and England in a five-match series.
A New Era for Indian T20I Cricket
The BCCI's selection committee, headed by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, has opted for a significant overhaul, reflecting a long-term vision to build a robust T20 side for future global tournaments, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the next T20 World Cup. Shreyas Iyer returns to lead the side, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, whose recent dip in form was cited as a contributing factor. Tilak Varma has been named as Iyer's vice-captain.
Perhaps the most exciting inclusion is 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has received his maiden senior India call-up. Sooryavanshi's inclusion comes on the back of an exceptional IPL 2026 campaign where he amassed a staggering 776 runs, earning him the coveted Orange Cap and the Most Valuable Player award. Other notable inclusions rewarding strong IPL performances are pacers Harshit Rana and Prince Yadav, along with spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
Key omissions beyond the RCB contingent include seasoned campaigners like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, signifying a decisive shift in team philosophy. India Squad for Asian Games 2026: Shreyas Iyer to Lead, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Included.
Tour Schedule
India Tour of Ireland 2026 (2 T20Is)
| Match | Date | Time (Local) | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | June 26, 2026 | 3:00 PM BST | 7:30 PM IST | Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast |
| 2nd T20I | June 28, 2026 | 3:00 PM BST | 7:30 PM IST | Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast |
India Tour of England 2026 (5 T20Is)
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | July 1, 2026 | 11:00 PM | Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street |
| 2nd T20I | July 4, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| 3rd T20I | July 7, 2026 | 11:00 PM | Trent Bridge, Nottingham |
| 4th T20I | July 9, 2026 | 11:00 PM | Bristol County Ground, Bristol |
| 5th T20I | July 11, 2026 | 11:00 PM | The Utilita Bowl, Southampton |
Fans will be keen to see how the new-look Indian T20I squad performs under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, especially given the notable absence of players from the reigning IPL champions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 07, 2026 11:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
