India Launches 2026 T20 World Cup Jersey; Rohit Sharma Is Tournament Ambassador

Rohit Sharma presented India's new T20 jersey for the 2026 T20 World Cup during the mid-innings break of the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, with the event highlighting both the kit launch and India's build-up as defending champions.

Rohit, who captained India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, had already been confirmed as tournament ambassador for the 2026 edition, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka, underscoring Rohit's continued link with the format and the global event.

India new jersey 2026 T20 World Cup launch details

The unveiling took place on stage in Raipur, where Rohit was accompanied by Tilak Varma for the official presentation. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Adidas officials handed over the World Cup jerseys to Rohit and Tilak, formalising India's new on-field look.

The design of the new India jersey for the 2026 T20 World Cup combines a performance-focused cut with nostalgic visual elements. It borrows from the striped India kits of the 1990s while keeping the famous neckline seen in the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning strip.

India new jersey 2026 T20 World Cup design and technology

Adidas has used body-mapped 3D engineered mechanical stretch fabric with the latest CLIMACOOL+ technology in the India new jersey for the 2026 T20 World Cup. This material aims to move sweat away quicker, helping players stay dry during long spells in hot conditions.

The India new jersey for the 2026 T20 World Cup also features perforated wide three-stripe tapes to improve airflow. Mesh zones in both the main fabric and trims have been placed for better ventilation, targeting match situations in extreme weather across Indian and Sri Lankan venues.

India new jersey 2026 T20 World Cup context and squad situation

India's current T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav did not attend the jersey event, as Suryakumar is in Lucknow playing for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with fixtures scheduled before and after the ceremony, limiting travel options during the domestic competition.

Vice-captain Shubman Gill was also missing from the launch. Shubman is continuing rehabilitation for a neck injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with the board keeping a close watch as planning starts for the 2026 T20 World Cup campaign.

India new jersey 2026 T20 World Cup schedule and format

The 2026 T20 World Cup will run from February 7 to March 8 and include 20 teams, with Italy making a first appearance. India, as defending champions, will start the tournament at Wankhede Stadium on February 7 against the USA in Group A.

The top two teams from Group A will move into the Super Eight stage, followed by semi-finals and a title match on March 8. The final is scheduled either in Ahmedabad or Colombo, with the venue depending on whether Pakistan qualifies for the last match.

Total teams 20 Includes debutants Italy

Reflecting on India's T20 World Cup journey at the launch, Rohit said, "It's been a long journey. We won our first World Cup in 2007, and we had to wait more than 15 years to win the next one. It's been a long road with plenty of ups and downs, but it felt great to lift the trophy again. Now, with the World Cup happening in India, it's going to be an exciting tournament. My best wishes are always with the team, and I'm sure everyone will be behind them, supporting them and doing their best," capturing both relief and expectation.