NEW DELHI: Astrologer Greenstone Lobo has made a bold prediction, suggesting that KL Rahul will replace Rishabh Pant in India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Lobo also highlighted young players who could step in for the retired Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, strengthening India’s future lineup.
The 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place from February to March 2026, will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
India, the defending champions after their victory over South Africa in the previous edition, are expected to field a rejuvenated squad, with new talent ready to shine on the world stage.
“I’m going to talk about some future superstars who could break into the Indian cricket squad — players who are currently showcasing their skills in the IPL. We’ll start with the top order, move into the middle order, and then discuss the bowlers. I’ll be looking at potential replacements for the T20 World Cup,” Lobo told TimesofIndia.com.
“Let’s begin with two iconic players — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — who have now retired. So, who are the potential candidates in the current Indian setup? One name that stands out to me is Abhishek Sharma. He was part of the squad earlier but couldn’t get a chance to play for the country in the T20 World Cup. He definitely looks like a very important replacement. Born in the year 2000, he has a phenomenal horoscope. He’s what I call a “Grey Lizard.” Grey Lizards are players born between 1999 and 2001 who have Pluto positioned between 8 and 14 degrees in their charts. These individuals tend to be extremely destructive on the field — and Abhishek is certainly one of them.
“Now, who will partner him? Another Grey Lizard — Shubman Gill. Shubman Gill also has a fabulous horoscope. I believe these two Grey Lizards at the top of the order can be a very destructive opening pair.
“Now, the man who I believe could make a comeback into the T20 World Cup team is KL Rahul. He’s been part of many squads before but hasn’t yet been part of a title-winning team. Of course, he recently won the Champions Trophy, but he often gave up his spot to others — one of them being Rishabh Pant. Pant hasn’t been performing well lately, and I’ve always championed KL Rahul. I’ve said this in my book Howzat: 50 Predictions on Indian Cricket, even back in 2019 — around the time of the infamous coffee controversy. Even when people said he didn’t have the game for T20s, I maintained he’d make a strong comeback. And he has. He’s silenced his critics, and I believe he’ll definitely be in the squad — possibly even replacing Rishabh Pant.
“Then there’s Suryakumar Yadav — he’s the captain and is obviously going to be part of the team. And what a journey it has been for Axar Patel. From being just a bowler to becoming a reliable all-rounder and now a captain — he’s grown from strength to strength and will undoubtedly be a part of the squad. See, the entire crux of the team — the entire core — looks very, very powerful because a lot of players were born between 1992 and 1994. These years are significant because Pluto was very close to 0 degrees, and Neptune was very close to 25 degrees. Now, these are the deepest exaltation points, and since Neptune and Pluto are the topmost planets, when they reach their deepest exaltation, they create legends.
“So we’re looking at a list of legends here. For instance, Axar Patel — I’d include him. KL Rahul is definitely there. I’d also include another name — Shreyas Iyer. Shreyas Iyer, in fact, could potentially replace Shivam Dube. Shivam Dube, born in 1993, has done very well for the country. But Shreyas Iyer, born in 1994, has not only Pluto and Neptune in deep exaltation, but also Chiron — another very powerful planet — in a strong position. He has been showing his mettle, not just as a player but also as a captain. And all those critics who spoke about his issues with the short ball — well, in the Asia Cup, he shut them all up. So, he’s definitely a very strong contender for the middle order. And of course, there’s Hardik Pandya — another 1993-born — he picks himself, no questions there.
“One interesting name I want to mention is Vipraj Nigam. Now, I don’t know if he’ll be an immediate replacement, but he can definitely be a long-term one for Ravindra Jadeja. Born in 2004, Vipraj has a phenomenal horoscope, with Pluto at 25 degrees — that’s powerful. And he’s as good an all-rounder as Jadeja, which is quite interesting. Then there’s Kuldeep Yadav. If you’re looking for a solid spinner, he’s your man. Born in 1994 — again, just look at how many key players we have from 1992, 1993, and 1994. Phenomenal. This Indian team is looking very, very polished and strong for the next World Cup.
“As for Arshdeep Singh — yes, he’s in the mix — but I’d say Mayank Yadav isn’t a replacement; they’re both young and can play together. If you want to really stun the opposition with sheer pace, Mayank is your guy.
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“Mayank Yadav has a very good horoscope. Born in 2001, he was born when Uranus had just entered deep exaltation. And Uranus is the planet of sudden impact — it brings magic, surprise, and power. Mayank has it in him to jolt the opposition. But of course, fitness is key — he must maintain that. And finally, Jasprit Bumrah. Born in 1993 — again, just look at this team! So many born in that golden period. Bumrah has already played one ICC trophy and missed another. That’s okay — we don’t need him to play every ICC event. What we need is a fully fit Bumrah for the next 50-over World Cup. Even if he skips some matches or series, that’s fine. Because he has the horoscope to win both the T20 and the ODI World Cups. Jasprit Bumrah is definitely going to be there.
“Now, looking at long-term replacements for the team — I’d throw in two names. One is Priyansh Arya. Most of us have seen him bat — he reminds us of Sehwag, or maybe even AB de Villiers. The other is a boy we’ve only seen glimpses of — Sheikh Rashid, who plays for Chennai Super Kings. Born in 2004, his horoscope is phenomenal, with Pluto at 25 degrees. He’s a classical, stylish player. I really feel he has it in him to go a long way. So, Indian cricket is in very good hands. We’ve recently won two ICC trophies. And with Gautam Gambhir at the helm of affairs now, I believe we can win one more — or maybe even two more. Just wait and watch,” Lobo said.
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