USA playing XI Vs India - T20 World Cup 2026, Match 3 - Captain Monank Patel to open?

USA playing XI Vs India. [Source - @icc/x]

The USA begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against hosts India at the Wankhede Stadium, facing an immediate test. After a historic Super 8s run last edition, the Americans arrive with confidence, but selection balance will be crucial against elite opposition.

They have a promising squad but questions remain around USA’s Playing XI on the right top-order combination, batting depth, and the bowling attack best suited to Indian conditions. With Monank Patel leading the side, the USA must finalize a XI that blends experience, flexibility, and fearless intent for their opening clash.

The Monank Patel-led side will look to replicate their 2024 T20 World Cup heroics, where they upset Pakistan and also qualified for the later stages of the tournament.

Top Order: Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Monank Patel

• USA’s top order revolves around Saiteja Mukkamalla, who is expected to open, their most consistent run-scorer since the last edition. Andries Gous is the second opener, while captain Monank Patel will be the best one to add stability, composure, and leadership presence at No.3.
• Together, the trio offers a balanced mix of intent and control. Gous sets the tempo in the powerplay, Saiteja ensures continuity through the middle overs, and Monank’s calm approach under pressure helps USA navigate tough phases, especially against high-quality bowling attacks.

Middle Order: Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh

• USA’s middle order offers strong all-round depth, with Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, and Harmeet Singh all capable of contributing with both bat and ball. This group adds flexibility, balance, and multiple bowling options in crucial middle overs.
• They showed glimpses of their potential in the warm-up game against New Zealand, falling just seven runs short of a 209-run target. Their ability to rotate strike, accelerate late, and chip in with key overs makes this middle-order vital to USA’s chances.

Bowlers: Mohammed Mohsin, Jasdeep Singh, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar

• USA’s bowling attack blends variety and control. Mohammed Mohsin adds a valuable spin option and useful lower-order batting. Jasdeep Singh and Ali Khan provide right-arm pace, capable of striking in any phase, from powerplay bursts to pressure-filled death overs.
• Saurabh Netravalkar remains the leader of the attack and a star of USA’s previous campaign. The left-arm pacer is highly effective with the new ball, using angle and swing to trouble top orders, while also offering control and experience in big-match situations.
• Nosthush Kenjige, the left-arm orthodox spinner, remains an integral part of USA’s bowling plans. However, at the Wankhede Stadium, USA may avoid taking a risk with him, especially against an Indian lineup stacked with left-handers at the top and Shivam Dube’s power through the middle.

USA's probable XI Vs India for T20 World Cup, Match 3

Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Monank Patel, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammed Mohsin, Jasdeep Singh, Ali Khan, and Saurabh Netravalkar.