No Dhoni, One CSK Player in Ashwin’s Alternate India T20 Squad

The Final Stretch of IPL 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has reached its peak, with the performances of Indian players across the tournament being nothing short of remarkable. As the competition draws to a close, discussions about the future of the T20 team have intensified, prompting former spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin to announce an alternate T20 squad for India. This selection was based on the impressive displays of players during the season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings

Among the teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had the most representation in the squad, with four players selected. In contrast, Chennai Super Kings managed to secure only one player in the list. This highlights the varying levels of performance across different franchises this season.

Opening Combination

Ashwin’s selection for the opening batting position includes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and KL Rahul. Vaibhav, who is just 15 years old, has emerged as one of the standout performers of the season. He has scored 404 runs in 10 matches, averaging 40.40 with a strike rate exceeding 237. On the other hand, KL Rahul has been in fine form since joining Delhi Capitals, scoring 468 runs in 11 games at a strike rate of 180.

Middle Order Selections

Devdutt Padikkal has been chosen for the No. 3 batting position due to his consistent performance with RCB. Shreyas Iyer, who has been the captain of Punjab Kings, has also been included in the No. 4 spot because of his reliable form throughout the season. Rajat Patidar, the RCB skipper, has secured the No. 5 position owing to his ability to score quickly across the entire season.

All-Rounders and Bowlers

Ashwin’s squad also features several all-rounders who have made significant contributions both with the bat and ball. Nitish Kumar Reddy from Sunrisers Hyderabad was selected after another successful season. Ashutosh Sharma earned his place for his crucial finishing roles for Delhi Capitals. Krunal Pandya was chosen for his experience and balance in the middle overs.

One of the most surprising selections was Shivang Kumar from Sunrisers Hyderabad, a spinner who has shown promise this season. The bowling attack also includes experienced pacers such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, who have been vital to their respective teams.

Young Pacers Make Their Mark

Prince Yadav from Lucknow Super Giants is another notable inclusion in Ashwin’s squad. The uncapped fast bowler has become one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026, taking 16 wickets in 10 matches. Anshul Kamboj, the only Chennai Super Kings player in the squad, has also been recognized for his impressive bowling performances. Harsh Dubey from Sunrisers Hyderabad has earned a spot due to his strong showings. Dhruv Jurel completes the squad as the backup wicketkeeper.