With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, the talking has started in earnest. Former players are picking favourites, squads and combinations are under scrutiny, and every comment is being dissected for clues. From selection headaches to semifinal predictions, here’s a round-up of the biggest World Cup talking points doing the rounds.
Rohit Sharma Flags India’s Real Headache: Getting the Combo Right
India’s biggest challenge at the T20 World Cup might not be form or firepower but it’s balance.
According to Rohit Sharma, the key dilemma for captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir is whether India can realistically play both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy in the same XI.
“You can only do that if you go in with two seamers,” Rohit explained on Hotstar. “And that’s a big challenge.”
India have leaned hard on spin over the last year, with Kuldeep, Varun and Axar Patel running through sides. But Rohit sounded a note of caution; the tournament timing, moving from winter into spring, is likely to bring heavy dew into evening games. That could quickly turn spin-friendly plans into a slippery gamble.
The attack looks stacked on paper. Making it work every night won’t be straightforward.
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Who will win T20 World Cup 2026? Check Experts’ Picks
When the experts sat down to pick semifinalists, one thing was unanimous — India are in. Everything else? Wide open.
A panel including Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, Anil Kumble, Irfan Pathan, Aakash Chopra and others all had the defending champions in their top four.
Beyond that, opinions split fast.
- Uthappa left out Australia entirely, backing South Africa, England and New Zealand
- Raina threw in Sri Lanka as a surprise semifinalist
- Kumble, Chopra, Bangar and Pujara played it safer with Australia, England and New Zealand
- Kaif and Raina both leaned towards South Africa
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Rohit Sharma Names His Two Match-Winners
Rohit didn’t hedge when asked about key players, he went straight to Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh.
Hardik’s value is obvious. His ability to finish games and still give India overs with the ball allows them to stretch to a six-bowler setup without compromising batting depth.
Arshdeep, meanwhile, is viewed as Bumrah’s perfect partner. Rohit highlighted his knack for swinging the new ball and closing out innings at the death, two phases that decide T20 games more often than not.
“Starting and finishing are the most important phases, and Arshdeep is strong in both. Hardik’s role is critical in any format. We know his bowling. He bowls in key phases, with the new ball, in the middle and in the death as well. His role is very important because he gives the team balance
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Ravi Shastri: India Start as Clear Favourites
Ravi Shastri didn’t bother playing devil’s advocate. Speaking on The ICC Review, the former head coach said India begin the tournament as clear favourites, pointing to squad depth, current form, match fitness and sheer volume of high-level cricket.
Man to man, Shastri sees no weakness, especially in the top order. He also believes a lighter mental load on younger players could work in India’s favour, with several entering their first World Cup free of past baggage.
“I think the defending champions start as clear favourites,” Shastri said. “Man to man, current form, match fitness, the amount of cricket they have played in recent times, makes them clear favourites.”
Experience still matters, though. Shastri highlighted the presence of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube as invaluable in pressure moments.
One caveat? Fitness. India will be hoping Tilak Varma is fully fit after abdominal surgery, with Shastri stressing the value of another left-hander near the top.
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T20 World Cup 2026 News and Updates
Bangladesh have been excluded from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after refusing to travel to India due to security concerns. They have been replaced by Scotland, a decision that has drawn criticism from former players and fans alike.
The official warm-up matches will be played between February 2 and February 6, 2026, across venues in India and Sri Lanka, with India facing South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4.
India are seen as favourites due to their depth, recent T20 form, familiarity with home conditions, and a balanced squad featuring experienced match-winners and in-form young players.
