Overview:
India, as the defending champions, are placed in Group A, where they will compete with Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA in the group stage.
Former cricketer Anil Kumble believes that India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad is behind the team that claimed the title in the previous edition. He pointed out that the Suryakumar Yadav-led team would lack the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. India, as the defending champions, are placed in Group A, where they will compete with Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA in the group stage.
During his appearance on the Out of the Park show on Star Sports, Kumble was questioned about whether the T20 World Cup 2026 squad is superior to the 2024 team when compared on paper.
“Talking about experience, they will certainly miss Virat and Rohit, two legends. However, when it comes to balance, I believe this team is strong as well, with solid bowling options and a different approach in the batting order at the top,” Anil Kumble replied.
“However, it will still be a tough challenge. The conditions in 2024 were quite different. I would likely rate the 2024 team 10 percent ahead of this one, but I still believe this team is very close to that,” he added.
In the conversation, Kumble was asked if India would need a player to deliver in clutch situations, just as Kohli did alongside Axar Patel in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“These are moments where experience really counts. That’s why I believe someone like Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) will be vital. Yes, his form will be important, but also in making sure India win those crucial moments,” he concluded.