Tilak Varma’s surgery to treat an abdominal issue allowed the Indian team management to accommodate both T20 World Cup-bound wicketkeepers, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, in the playing XI during the recently held T20I series against New Zealand at home.

While Samson scuffed the opportunity to cement his place, scoring 46 runs in five innings at an average of 9.20, Kishan grabbed the chance with both hands, smashing 215 runs in four innings at 53.75 with a strike-rate of 231.18.

With Tilak set to make a comeback in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, the Gautam Gambhir-led management faces a tough decision to choose between Samson and Kishan. Considering the current form, the southpaw is likely to get the nod ahead of the right-hander at the top of the order.

However, veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has backed Samson to open alongside Abhishek Sharma for India’s campaign opener against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Speaking on Star Sports, Chahal picked his India XI for the USA clash. He slotted Tilak to bat at No. 3, followed by skipper Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Rinku Singh is the designated finisher in his line-up.

Chahal named Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy as his two spinners, while he selected Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh to lead the pace attack.

Yuzvendra Chahal's preferred playing XI for USA clash: Abhisehk Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sunder, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy