Will these 7 players take their curtain call at the T20 World Cup?

World Cups are often used as milestones in the careers of players and coaches. Stars, aiming to go out the top of the game, like to retire after key tournaments (ideally having won them).

It’s what happened with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean, and something the pair are likely to do again after the ODI World Cup in South Africa in 2027.

But which stars are we likely to see donning their national colours for the last time in February’s T20 World Cup? Here’s our list of seven stars that we expect will hang up their helmets come the end of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

1. Suryakumar Yadav (India)

In many ways Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the defining T20 batter of his generation, redefining what is possible in the middle overs with his range and audacity.

Now on the wrong side of 35, the India captain finds himself with little left to prove in the shortest format of the game.

He has already lifted an ICC trophy and remains central to India’s hopes in home conditions, but the relentless schedule and increasing injury concerns suggest the end may be near.

A final World Cup on familiar pitches, with the chance to sign off as a champion, feels like a natural conclusion to his T20 international journey.

After a barren spell in 2025 he has struck excellent form against New Zealand and if he can carry that into the World Cup, India will be in an excellent place.

2. David Miller (South Africa)

Few players have been as synonymous with South Africa’s T20 evolution as David Miller. The left hander has reinvented himself multiple times, transitioning from raw power hitter to calm finisher and senior leader.

Approaching 36, Miller remains effective but faces growing competition from younger options. He has also become increasingly susceptible to injury.

South Africa’s white ball rebuild is accelerating and this World Cup offers Miller a final opportunity to deliver on the biggest stage (assuming that he recovers his fitness in time), particularly in subcontinental conditions where his experience against spin is invaluable.

3. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Glenn Maxwell has been Australia’s great T20 enigma and match winner rolled into one. Capable of turning games in a handful of deliveries, he has also endured periods of inconsistency and injury.

With Australia placing greater emphasis on workload management and succession planning, Maxwell’s role is likely to diminish beyond this tournament.

At 36, and with an ODI World Cup win already secured, a final T20 World Cup cameo would allow him to bow out on his own terms and go on to spend some time playing on the lucrative franchise circuit.

4. Adil Rashid (England)

Adil Rashid’s influence on England’s white ball success cannot be overstated. The leg spinner has been a constant across multiple World Cup cycles, delivering control and wickets in the toughest phases of T20 cricket.

Now 37, Rashid remains highly skilled, but England have already begun introducing younger spin options. His tactical nous and experience will be crucial in India and Sri Lanka, but this tournament feels like a natural endpoint before England fully hand over to the next generation.

Also read: 5 exciting under-23 stars poised for breakout T20 World Cup campaigns

5. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

Alongside Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi has been the backbone of Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. As an all rounder and leader, he has bridged the gap between eras and provided stability in pressure moments.

Now over 40, Nabi is already operating well beyond the typical international career span. Afghanistan’s improving depth suggests this World Cup will be his farewell, allowing him to exit having helped establish his country as a genuine force in global T20 cricket.

6. Johnson Charles (West Indies)

Johnson Charles has enjoyed a late career renaissance, forcing his way back into West Indies contention through strong franchise performances.

Now in his mid-thirties, Charles offers power at the top and vast experience, but West Indies are increasingly focused on youth and long-term planning.

A final World Cup appearance would reward his perseverance and provide a fitting end to an international career defined by resilience and adaptability.

7. Sikander Raza (Zimbabwe)

Sikander Raza has carried Zimbabwe’s white ball ambitions almost single handedly in recent years.

Batting, bowling and leading with equal commitment, he has been the face of their revival, and his efforts have seen him deservedly climb to number two on the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings.

At 38, and with Zimbabwe seeking to blood younger talent ahead of future cycles, this T20 World Cup could be his last global tournament.

As much as he has the ability to hold his place in the Zimbabwe side, he showed what he is capable of as a franchise player in the recently completed SA20, and he may well fancy a few lucrative paydays with more time on the franchise circuit.

A strong showing at the World Cup, would certainly underline his status as one of Zimbabwe’s finest modern cricketers.

Read next: Revealed – The 9 best T20 World Cup batters of all time

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Brilliant Bethell bowls England to victory against Sri Lanka

Brilliant Bethell bowls England to victory against Sri Lanka

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Harry Brook’s 12-ball brutality maintains England’s momentum

Harry Brook’s 12-ball brutality maintains England’s momentum

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Engalnd in rude health for T20 World Cup after Sam Curran hat-trick helps them to victory

Engalnd in rude health for T20 World Cup after Sam Curran hat-trick helps them to victory

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Abhishek Sharma fast becoming a household name among T20I mavericks

Abhishek Sharma turned on the afterburners as he smashed New Zealand all over the park on his way to a 14-ball half century recently. He went on to make an undefeated 68 from 20 balls as India won with ten overs to spare.

Abhishek and Suryakumar Yadav were simply awesome as they broke record after record in chasing down New Zealand’s respectable albeit average score of 153.

In reaching his 50 did Abhishek set a record for the fastest half-century by an Indian batsman? As it turns out, he did not. Here are the five fastest half centuries by an Indian batsman in T20 cricket.

1. Yuvraj Singh

• 12 balls v England in 2007 in Durban

The benchmark for all rapid-fire T20 innings remains Yuvraj Singh’s astonishing assault on England in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Facing Stuart Broad, Yuvraj famously smashed six sixes in an over, racing to his half century in just 12 deliveries.

It was a moment that defined early T20 cricket and announced India as a major force in the new format. Yuvraj’s innings was not just about power, but about audacity.

At the time, such levels of aggression were almost unheard of in international cricket. While the other feats on this list were al achieved in recent times, the fact that Yuvraj’s benchmark knock came in 2007 and still stands, speaks volumes as to how unique his achievement was.

2. Abhishek Sharma

• 14 balls v New Zealand in 2026 in Guwahati

Abhishek’s recent effort against New Zealand now sits just behind Yuvraj on the all-time list. Opening the batting, the world’s number one ranked T20I batsman dismantled the Black Caps attack, with a combination of clean hitting and fearless intent.

His 14 ball fifty came inside the powerplay and effectively ended the contest before it had truly begun.

What made the knock even more impressive was the context: it was a series India were desperate to dominate, after losing the preceding ODI leg, as they looked to establish meaningful momentum ahead of the imminent T20 World Cup.

Also read: 5 exciting under-23 stars poised for breakout T20 World Cup campaigns

3. Hardik Pandya

• 16 balls v South Africa in 2025 in Ahmedabad

Hardik Pandya’s entry on the list was a reminder of why he has been one of India’s most valuable white-ball players of the past decade.

Against South Africa, he walked in with India under pressure at 115 for three in the 13^th over and immediately shifted the momentum with brutal hitting through the leg side and straight down the ground.

His half century in 16 balls was built on raw power, but also on smart targeting of the bowlers.

4. Abhishek Sharma

• 17 balls v England in 2026 in Mumbai

Abhishek appears twice on this list, underlining his rapid rise as one of India’s most destructive T20 openers.

Against England at the Wankhede, a venue known for high-scoring thrillers, he again took advantage of the powerplay and thrilled a packed crowd with a blistering display of strokeplay.

The fact that two of the five fastest half centuries belong to him suggests this is not a one-off phenomenon. As it stands Abhishek boasts the highest career strike-rate of any player in T20I cricket with his 1267 runs from 35 innings coming at a strike rate of 195.22.

5. KL Rahul

• 18 balls v Scotland in 2021 in Dubai

KL Rahul’s inclusion offers a slightly different flavour. Known more for elegance and timing than brute force, Rahul showed against Scotland that he could also operate in overdrive when required.

His 18 ball fifty came during the T20 World Cup and was a vital contribution in a must-win group game for India. His knock of 50 was part of a total of just 89 as India chased down Scotland’s modest score of 85 all out to win the game in just 6.3 overs.

Read next: Revealed – The 9 best T20 World Cup batters of all time

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The 5 biggest omissions from India’s T20 World Cup squad

With the series against South Africa now a thing of the past – India won the five‑game T20I component of the Proteas’ recent tour 3-1 – India’s preparation for the defence of their World Cup T20I title is all but done.

When the new edition of the T20 World Cup gets underway in February, India will be hoping to defend their title on home soil. They have already named their squad for the event, and it looks particularly strong.

There will be a handful of players feeling unlucky to have missed out on selection though; here are five T20 cricket stars who can consider themselves hard done by.

1. Shubman Gill

Without doubt the most high-profile omission, Shubman Gill has been a key figure for India in recent white-ball cricket.

With his calm presence at the top of the order and ability to play both attacking and anchoring roles, Gill has often been the team’s backbone in high-pressure games.

Gill didn’t score huge runs against South Africa, but he wasn’t out of form either. Given his role as vice-captain and his all-format experience his omission seems harsh.

His dropping has been explained as a product of a change in philosophy, with India deciding that having a wicketkeeper at the top of the order is the best way to find balance in the side.

The decision to go for that option has seen both Gill and incumbent T20I gloveman Jitesh Sharma left out while Ishan Kishan gets the nod.

Also read: Cricket’s biggest bromances – 7 duos who have played together the most

2. Jitesh Sharma

A strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batsman slot, Jitesh Sharma has impressed in recent T20I outings. Known for his quick hands behind the stumps and aggressive batting, he was often seen making a difference in tight games.

However, as explained above, the selectors have preferred to go with a keeper who can open the batting and as such Ishan Kishan, who has been in excellent form domestically, has been named as the preferred keeper.

Given his form and versatility, many feel he deserved at least a place in the 15-man squad, who are favourites across the best betting sites in India to win the T2o World Cup.

3. Shahbaz Ahmed

The all-round capabilities of Shahbaz Ahmed have been crucial in India’s T20I setup. His ability to bowl economical off-spin and contribute with the bat in the lower order has made him a dependable option in recent seasons.

While not a first choice, Ahmed was part of the squad for the series against South Africa. Nevertheless, with the squad prioritising other spinning options, Shahbaz missed out on the call-up.

Fans of the left-arm spinner will hope that his continued performances in domestic cricket and the IPL can earn him a spot in future tournaments.

4. Ashok Sharma

Yet to play for India on the international stage, Ashok’s inclusion would have been a surprise, but his form in the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been excellent.

He is the tournament’s leading wicket taker with 22 wickets at an average of 15.63.

Sometimes outstanding domestic form is enough to sway the selectors, and while Ashok would not have started ahead of Arshdeep or Jasprit Bumrah, his presence in the squad would certainly have been merited.

At 23 years old he still has plenty of time ahead of him to force his way into the team.

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal

A left-handed opener with a fearless approach, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been a regular in recent white-ball squads. His ability to attack from the start and rotate the strike efficiently makes him an ideal fit for T20 cricket.

Despite these credentials, he was overlooked for the World Cup squad, as the top order was packed with other experienced options.

Jaiswal’s omission highlights the challenge selectors face when balancing youth and experience, and he will be eager to make his mark in future series.

Read next: The 5 most complete, all-format bowlers who are arguably overworked

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The 7 biggest T20 World Cup absentees – what a pity

With the T20 World Cup set to start in early February, the best white ball cricketers from around the world are preparing to assemble in India and Sri Lanka to do duty for their nations.

The tournament will feature four groups of five teams and with each squad comprised of 15 players, that means there will be 300 of the best T20 players from around the world playing in the tournament. But who will not be there

While many big names will be absent following their retirement from international cricket; players like Heinrich Klaasen and Nicholas Pooran, which players who are still available for selection are missing due to loss of form, injury or simply because they are out of favour.

Here’s seven stars who will not be at the T20 World Cup.

1. Shubman Gill (India)

Few omissions are as surprising as that of Shubman Gill. Widely regarded as one of India’s premier batters across all formats, Gill has found himself squeezed out of a T20 setup that is increasingly prioritising specialists.

While his ODI numbers remain exceptional, his strike rate in T20 internationals has fluctuated and selectors appear unconvinced that his measured approach suits the high tempo demanded on India and Sri Lanka surfaces.

India have instead doubled down on aggressive openers and flexible middle order options, leaving Gill watching a major global event from home.

2. Ottneil Baartman (South Africa)

Baartman’s absence is one that may sting South Africa supporters who have watched his steady rise in white ball cricket.

The seam bowler has repeatedly impressed in domestic competitions and was not only the leading wicket taker in the just completed SA20, but he is also the tournament’s all time leading bowler.

The Proteas tend to favour all-out pace and in Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje they have that – Baartman is about variations and accuracy.

He has earned limited international opportunities, but a combination of injuries and intense competition among South Africa’s fast bowling ranks has worked against him.

With the Proteas opting for express pace and all-round versatility, Baartman has slipped just outside the final cut despite remaining firmly on the selectors’ radar.

3. Steve Smith (Australia)

Steve Smith remains one of Australia’s finest batters, but T20 cricket has increasingly become a format where reputation counts for little.

Smith’s ability to anchor an innings is unquestioned, yet Australia have moved towards younger, more explosive options who can clear the ropes from ball one.

Smith’s recent international T20 outings did little to change perceptions, and his omission reflects a strategic decision rather than a dramatic decline. At 35, he remains available but no longer central to Australia’s shortest format plans.

Also read: 5 exciting under-23 stars poised for breakout T20 World Cup campaigns

4. Jonny Bairstow (England)

Jonny Bairstow’s exclusion highlights the ruthless depth of England’s white ball system. Once a cornerstone of England’s aggressive batting philosophy, Bairstow has struggled to rediscover consistent form following injury setbacks.

England have leaned into a new generation of power hitters and multi-dimensional players, leaving Bairstow on the outside looking in. It is a reminder of how quickly the international game moves, even for players with World Cup winning pedigree.

5. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)

You could say that Mustafizur Rahman makes this list as a place holder for all Bangladesh players.

The world’s number seven ranked T20I bowler is not travelling to India. But then neither are any of his teammates after Bangladesh withdrew from the competition.

It is a big loss to the tournament and even though Bangladesh have been replaced by Scotland the reality is that Bangladesh, the ninth best T20I side in the world leave an enormous hole in the competition.

6. Haris Rauf (Pakistan)

Haris Rauf’s omission will surprise many given his reputation as one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket. However, persistent fitness issues and concerns around workload management have kept him sidelined.

Pakistan have also grappled with his inconsistency in recent tournaments, particularly in the death overs. While Rauf remains a match winner on his day, selectors appear to be prioritising bowlers who can guarantee availability and control throughout the tournament.

Rauf’s omission is particularly surprising given his recent form in the BBL where he ended as the tournament’s leading wicket taker for the season with 20 scalps at an average of 16.75.

7. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

Perhaps the most debated absence on this list is Mohammad Rizwan. A prolific run scorer and former T20 captain, Rizwan’s conservative strike rate has come under increasing scrutiny (he was retired out in the BBL after making 26 runs from 23 balls).

Pakistan’s think tank has signalled a shift towards a more aggressive top order, even if it comes at the cost of reliability.

Rizwan’s exclusion suggests a philosophical change rather than a judgement on his quality, but it underlines how even proven performers are not immune when team balance and tempo are under the microscope.

That said, Babar Azam has been included in the Pakistan side, and he too has been criticized in recent times for his slower scoring – perhaps it is simply a case of not enough space in the 15 for both Babar and Rizwan.

Read next: Revealed – The 9 best T20 World Cup batters of all time

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