The 2026 T20 World Cup is coming up fast. Fans are excited for the big hits and packed crowds across India and Sri Lanka. But this time around, some of the biggest names in the sport won't be there. While new players are getting ready for their big break, the tournament will feel a bit empty without five specific players out of the many. For many fans, three of them are the players they grew up watching.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma led India to that famous win in 2024. But now, the captain has walked away from T20Is. He wants to save his energy for ODIs. It’s going to feel strange seeing the Indian team walk out for the toss without the "Hitman" there.
People will definitely miss those quick, aggressive starts he always provided. Since he’s officially retired from the format, his trademark pull shots and calm leadership are now things of the past.
Virat Kohli
Like his long-time teammate, Virat Kohli ended his T20I career on a high. He finished by winning the trophy in Barbados. The World Cup is losing its highest run-scorer and the best chase master the game has ever seen.
He still plays ODIs, but the 2026 tournament will miss his competitive streak. India won’t have that reliable anchor who always seemed to pull them out of trouble when things got shaky.
Steve Smith
In a bit of a surprise, Australia have left Steve Smith out of their plans. They are focusing on younger, harder-hitting players who fit the fast pace of modern T20s.
Smith has been playing well in domestic leagues and is still one of the world's best. Even so, the selectors have decided to go in a different direction. Fans will miss his unique batting style and his knack for finding gaps in the field that no one else can see.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
In a move that caught experts off guard, India didn't pick Yashasvi Jaiswal. The team decided they needed a better combination for their fifteen-man squad. Jaiswal scores incredibly fast, which is exactly what T20s are about.
However, the management went with more experienced all-rounders and extra keepers for the local conditions. This means the crowd won't get to see one of the world's most exciting young talents play his fearless game on the big stage.
Haris Rauf
Pakistan’s bowling attack is going to look different. The selectors have dropped Haris Rauf to pick bowlers who can do more in the middle of an innings. Rauf is famous for his pure speed and his ability to bowl late in the game.
He could change a match in just a few balls with his pace. The team are now looking for swing and seam movement instead of just raw speed. Leaving him out is a massive shift for a team that have always lived and died by their raw pace.
