As Team India prepares to face England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, scheduled for March 5 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the players took a moment to seek blessings at the Siddhivinayak temple. Vice-captain Axar Patel, along with Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, participated in rituals at the temple, hoping for divine support ahead of this crucial match.
In anticipation of their encounter with the ‘Three Lions,’ the Indian management is counting on Abhishek Sharma to step up his game. The left-handed batsman has had a challenging tournament, scoring only 80 runs across six matches, with a top score of 55.
Conversely, Ishan Kishan has been performing well, having amassed 224 runs in seven matches, including a high of 77. Despite his solid form, he finds himself batting at number three, with Sanju Samson taking the opening spot alongside Abhishek.
The squad is also relying on Axar Patel, who plays a vital role as a lower-order batsman and bowler, to contribute significantly in both departments during the semi-final.
Before India’s much-anticipated clash with England, cricket enthusiasts can catch the first semi-final featuring South Africa and New Zealand, taking place on March 4 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
**T20 World Cup 2026: Full Squads**
**India:** Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rinku Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma.
**England:** Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jos Buttler (WK), Jamie Overton, Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer, Luke Wood, Sam Curran, Phil Salt (WK), Josh Tongue, Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed.