Every selection cycle produces a surprise or two. 2026 delivered several that genuinely reshaped the conversation around Indian cricket.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Asian Games Call-Up
At 15, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player ever selected for an Indian team at a major multi-sport event. His rise from IPL Orange Cap winner to Asian Games squad member in a matter of months is covered fully in our dedicated update.
Ishan Kishan’s Recall
After roughly two years out of India’s plans, Ishan Kishan forced his way back into the T20 World Cup squad on the back of a record-breaking Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, a comeback detailed in our Kishan feature.
Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy Leap
Few predicted Iyer would be handed the T20I captaincy over more established white-ball leaders, yet selectors cited his IPL form and leadership qualities directly. Full context is in our Iyer captaincy update.
An Uncapped Test Call-Up
- Saransh Jain, a 33-year-old off-spin all-rounder, earned a maiden India call-up for the Sri Lanka Tests after Washington Sundar’s injury
- Manav Suthar debuted against Afghanistan and picked up seven wickets before making the Sri Lanka squad
Why These Surprises Keep Happening
India’s selectors have shown a growing willingness to reward current domestic form over reputation, a pattern that connects directly to the harder calls covered in our piece on 2026’s selection controversies.