The United States of America are all set to commence their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against India. The two sides will lock horns on Saturday, February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The USA might not be one of the favorites to qualify for the Super Eight stage, but they’re clearly a team with immense potential. Despite Aaron Jones’ suspension, they have enough in both departments to ask some questions of the best teams in the world.
United States of America’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026: Monank Patel (c), Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shayan Jahangir, Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Ali Khan, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Shehan Jayasuriya, Jasdeep Singh, Sanjay Krishnamurthi.
On that note, here is USA’s predicted playing XI for their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India.
Openers: Saiteja Mukkamalla and Andries Gous (wk)
The exciting opening pair of Saiteja Mukkamallla and Andries Gous will likely take first strike for the USA. Gous’ opening partner has a few options, but this seems to be the preferred route. The latter played a good knock in the warmup against India A and will be one to keep an eye on.
Middle Order: Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh
Picking USA’s middle order is a straightforward task. Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel and Shubham Ranjane will form the backbone, with Milind Kumar and Harmeet Singh being important cogs in the wheel as well.
With India having a lot of left-handers in their ranks, Harmeet will need to be at his best. USA will also expect some overs from the likes of Ranjane, who is fresh off a stint in the SA20 league.
Lower Order: Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Shalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
The USA’s three pacers will be Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan and Shadley van Shalkwyk. Netravalkar and Khan will have important roles to play in the powerplay and at the death.
Mohammad Mohsin, meanwhile, could be the frontline spinner. He will be tasked with making breakthroughs through the middle overs, with Nosthush Kenjige likely to drop to the bench because of the aforementioned LHB reason.
Edited by Sai Krishna
