India's defence for the T20 World Cup title on home soil will be a fascinating task. After clinching their 2nd World Cup in 2024, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will have huge responsibilities on shoulder as they take the field.
India landed in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia, a manageable draw that sidesteps early showdowns against giants like Australia or England.
The marquee India-Pakistan clash on February 15 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo promises record-breaking audiences worldwide.
India Group Stage Schedule
February 7: India vs USA (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
February 12: India vs Namibia (Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi)
February 15: India vs Pakistan (R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
February 18: India vs Netherlands (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad)
India should cruise into the Super 8s, bolstered by their top ranking and familiar home/near-home conditions. Knockouts could feature semi-finals in Mumbai or Kolkata, giving them an edge if they advance.
Expectations and Hurdles Ahead
As title holders and co-hosts, India face sky-high stakes for a third trophy. Their sharp form-just three T20I defeats since the 2024 triumph-makes them favorites. Success hinges on a dynamic batting lineup, spin prowess on turning tracks, and Jasprit Bumrah's wizardry in the death overs. Watch for pitch variations across India and Sri Lanka, injury risks, and the intense buildup to the Pakistan thriller. Rising stars like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma may steal the show, backed by all-rounders such as Hardik Pandya, with IPL prep sharpening their bench strength.
Shubman Gill recently suffered a foot injury, but he may retain his place if fit. On the other hand, Rinku Singh, despite being a regular in T20 format, may not find a place in the side.
India T20 World Cup 2026 Probable Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson (WK), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.
