Published on: Jan 29, 2026 3:53 pm IST|Updated on: Jan 29, 2026 3:56 pm IST
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has given his verdict on which team is likely to lift the elusive title on March 8. According to Shastri, reigning champions India are the favorite to retain their title and become the first team in history to defend the T20 World Cup. Being the co-host of this World Cup, Team India poses a big threat to every other team participating in the marquee event.
Team India is the current no. 1 ranked side in the world in the shortest of the game. The dominance of this team can be stated by the fact that since their 2024 T20 World Cup victory, the side hasn’t lost a single bilateral series and is craving for more. The Indian squad for the upcoming marquee event boasts a pretty strong outfit, including the No.1 Men’s T20I batter Abhishek Sharma as well as No.1 T20I bowler Varun Chakaravarthy.
As per Shastri,
“I think the defending champions start as clear favourites. Man to man, current form, match fitness, the amount of cricket they have played in recent times, makes them clear favourites. And especially when you look at that top order and the kind of form they’re in.”
“There’s less baggage on a lot of players. They’re playing their first World Cup and it’s an opportunity for them to express themselves,”
“And from the team that played the previous World Cup and won it in the West Indies, you’ve got tons of experience and brilliance.There’s Jasprit Bumrah, there’s Hardik Pandya, who I think is in terrific form at the moment and the ability for him to contribute with bat and ball. Shivam Dube has come along nicely.”
“And from the team that played the previous World Cup and won it in the West Indies, you’ve got tons of experience and brilliance.
There’s Jasprit Bumrah, there’s Hardik Pandya, who I think is in terrific form at the moment and the ability for him to contribute with bat and ball. Shivam Dube has come along nicely.”
Shastri also emphasized the fact that Tilak Varma should regain full fitness ahead of the marquee event, as he will be a crucial cog in the middle order for the reigning champions.
“India will be hoping for Tilak Varma to be fit because he is a terrific player. And again, being a left-hander, the top of the order will make a difference.”
Spin will play a vital role during the World Cup, which is slated to be held in the subcontinent conditions of Sri Lanka and India. Shastri addressed the same and put his money on the Indian spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and the vice-captain Axar Patel.
“I think spin will play an integral part. And India has got enough ammunition in that spin department. There’s Chakaravarthy, there’s Axar Patel, there’s Kuldeep Yadav. When you look at variety, players at the right positions and balance, India can defend this title.”
The reigning champions will kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the United States of America on February 7. They are placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the USA, and archrivals Pakistan. Check Team India’s full schedule for the group stage below.
The reigning champions were among the first teams to announce their squad for the upcoming marquee event. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will be hoping for a complete performance in all facets of the game. The squad has some big names in Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy. Check out the full squad below,
Team India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh
Tags: T20 World Cup 2026