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Royal Challengers Bengaluru [Source: AFP]
The IPL 2026 is slowly moving towards its business end, and with every passing game, the tournament is becoming more exciting. Several young Indian players have stepped up this season, while experienced stars have once again proved their value in the shortest format.
As the IPL 2026 season heads towards the playoffs, discussions about India’s future T20 setup are also gaining attention.
Former India spinner and CSK veteran Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his own alternative Indian T20 squad during a video interaction with ESPNcricinfo.
Ashwin picked a 15-member squad completely based on performances in IPL 2026. Interestingly, RCB dominated the selection with four players, while CSK managed to get only one player in the squad.
R Ashwin Turns Selector For An Alternate India T20 Squad
In R Ashwin’s 15-member squad, at the top, he selected teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi alongside Delhi Capitals batter KL Rahul.
The 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been one of the biggest performers of IPL 2026. In 10 matches, he has scored 404 runs at an average of 40.40 and a strike rate of 237.64.
KL Rahul, meanwhile, has enjoyed a superb season for Delhi Capitals. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 468 runs in 11 matches at an average of 46.80 while maintaining a strike rate of 180.
For the No. 3 position, Ashwin picked RCB batter Devdutt Padikkal. The stylish left-hander has looked in excellent touch this season and has scored 316 runs in 10 matches with a strike rate above 180.
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer was selected at No. 4 after another consistent IPL campaign. The experienced middle-order batter has scored 333 runs in nine innings at an average of 47.57.
Young Talent And All-Round Depth Highlight Ashwin’s Squad
RCB captain Rajat Patidar also found a place in the squad at No. 5. Patidar has led from the front this season and scored 318 runs in nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 200.
Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was picked at No. 6 after another impactful IPL season with both bat and ball. Delhi Capitals finisher Ashutosh Sharma was selected at No. 7.
RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya was included to provide balance and experience in the middle overs.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Opens Up On Infamous IPL Mankad Involving Jos Buttler
One of the most surprising names in the squad was SRH spinner Shivang Kumar. The bowling attack also featured experienced names alongside rising stars. Veteran pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami also made their place in the playing XI.
LSG pacer Prince Yadav was another standout inclusion. The uncapped fast bowler has emerged as one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026, with 16 wickets in 10 matches.
CSK pacer Anshul Kamboj was the only CSK player picked in Ashwin’s squad. Sunrisers Hyderabad spinner Harsh Dubey was also included in the bowling attack.
Watch the video here:
Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel completed the 15-member squad and was selected as the backup wicketkeeper for KL Rahul.
R Ashwin's alternative India T20 squad
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ashutosh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Shivang Kumar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Harsh Dubey, Mohammed Shami, Dhruv Jurel
Also Read: Shivam Dube To Return? CSK Strongest XI vs LSG For IPL 2026, Match 53
