KL Rahul and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi picked as India’s new T20I opening pair by Ravichandran Ashwin

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Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has named a completely fresh-looking India T20I squad based on the performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). However, it was Ashwin’s explosive opening combination of KL Rahul and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that turned heads.

Ashwin’s selection went viral because he ignored several senior names and trusted young IPL stars and in-form performers. As India plans to move towards a fearless new generation ahead of the next cycle, the former all-rounder has turned to the selectors to make their job easier.

Ravichandran Ashwin picks KL Rahul and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as new opening pair for India

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Ravichandran Ashwin picked KL Rahul and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as India’s new opening pair. Rahul has been in outstanding form for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing IPL 2026, scoring 468 runs at an average of 46.80 and a strike rate of 180.

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Vaibhav has become one of the biggest breakout stars of IPL 2026 for the Rajasthan Royals. The young sensation has already smashed over 400 runs at an average of 40 and a strike rate of over 237. Then, the former off-spinner picked Devdutt Padikkal at number three.

The stylish left-hander has scored over 2122 IPL career runs so far. Padikkal has also been sensational for RCB this season, scoring over 300 runs at a stunning strike rate of over 180 and an average of nearly 40.

At number four, Ashwin backed Shreyas Iyer, who has been one of the most dependable middle-order batters this season for the Punjab Kings with 333 runs at an average of 47.57 and a strike rate of 164.

Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy earn spot in Ashwin’s team

The former Indian off-spinner picked the RCB captain Rajat Patidar at number five after his attacking performances this season, amassing 318 runs so far at an average of 39.75 and a strike rate of 162.57. Ashwin then selected young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the lower middle order.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) star has enjoyed a brilliant season with 222 runs at an average of nearly 32 and a stunning strike rate of nearly 167, along with 7 wickets. He has very few reliable all-rounders this season. Ashutosh Sharma was also picked after his impactful performances for the Delhi Capitals. Ashutosh has scored 111 runs in 5 matches at an impressive strike rate of 163.

Meanwhile, Ashwin also selected RCB’s inform all-rounder Krunal Pandya. The RCB is mainly utilizing Pandya’s bowling this season, and he has been lethal with 10 wickets at an economy rate of under 9.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Prince Yadav lead Ashwin’s bowling attack

In his bowling attack, Ashwin trusted experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been sensational for RCB with 17 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17.53 and an economy rate of under 8 in the ongoing IPL 2026.

Young fast bowler Prince Yadav also earned a spot after becoming one of IPL 2026’s surprise stars. The LSG pacer has so far taken 16 wickets in 10 matches at an excellent economy rate of 8.15 and an average of 18.69 this season.

Ashwin further strengthened the squad with Anshul Kamboj, who has been sensational for Chennai Super Kings with 17 wickets from 10 matches at an economy rate of nearly 9 and an average of 18.71 this season.

Mohammed Shami in India’s T20 squad

Harsh Dubey was also included after taking 13 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, while young spinner Shivam Kumar, who picked up 8 wickets in 9 matches, also found a place in India’s second T20I team picked by the cricket pundit.

LSG’s experienced pacer Mohammed Shami also found a place in Ashwin’s squad. The senior fast bowler has managed only 10 wickets in 10 matches for LSG with an economy rate above 8.5, but Ashwin still trusted his experience, and he also picked young batter Guru Chiranjeevi as a backup top-order option and wicketkeeping cover.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s alternative T20I squad for India:

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.