The T20 format is often considered a batter-friendly game, with high scores and explosive stroke play dominating headlines. However, as history has shown,
bowling, especially when supported by pitch conditions, can be just as decisive. All-rounders, therefore, play a crucial role in T20 cricket, offering balance and flexibility to their teams.
With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 set to begin on February 7 and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, players who can contribute with both bat and ball are expected to have a major impact.
Here are five all-rounders to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026
Cooper Connolly (Australia)
Australian youngster Cooper Connolly has rapidly risen through the ranks, making his international debut across all three formats within a short span of five months. A talented left-handed batter, Connolly has the ability to bat anywhere in the order and complements his batting with effective left-arm spin.
He first caught the cricketing world’s attention during the Big Bash League while representing the Perth Scorchers, where his composure stood out. Although his early T20I numbers (13 runs and one wicket in six matches) may not look impressive, Connolly’s potential goes far beyond statistics. The T20 World Cup could provide him the platform to establish himself as a genuine match-winning all-rounder for Australia.
Hardik Pandya (India)
Hardik Pandya remains one of the most impactful all-rounders in modern T20 cricket. The right-hander is known for his brisk seam bowling, fearless power-hitting, and can change the course of a game within a few overs. He rose to prominence through the Indian Premier League with Mumbai Indians and soon earned a place in India’s national setup.
One of his most memorable performances came during the 2016 T20 World Cup, where he defended two runs off three balls against Bangladesh. In 128 T20Is, Pandya has scored 2029 runs and taken 105 wickets, making him a vital asset for India heading into the 2026 tournament.
Sam Curran (England)
Sam Curran has developed into an X-factor all-rounder with the ability to influence games in all departments. The England star was named Player of the Match in the 2022 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan and has since become a regular presence in franchise leagues around the world.
Curran’s ability to swing the new ball into right-handers makes him a constant threat early in the innings, while his calm batting approach adds depth to the lower order. In 64 T20Is, he has scored 450 runs and claimed 57 wickets, and the 2026 World Cup presents another opportunity for him to deliver on the biggest stage.
Jason Holder (West Indies)
Jason Holder brings experience, height, and versatility to the West Indies lineup. The tall fast bowler generates steep bounce, making life difficult for batters, and is equally capable of stabilising or finishing an innings with the bat.
Holder was part of the West Indies squad that won the 2016 T20 World Cup and has led his country in several ICC events. His extensive experience in global franchise cricket has further refined his skills. In 87 T20Is, Holder has scored 747 runs and taken 97 wickets, and his calm presence could once again prove invaluable.
Shadab Khan (Pakistan)
Shadab Khan is one of the finest spin all-rounders in T20 cricket. The leg-spinner is known for his wicket-taking ability, excellent economy rate, and his googly remains one of the most challenging deliveries for batters to read. He is also a handy lower-order batter capable of finishing games at a brisk pace.
With 816 runs and 114 wickets in 114 T20Is, Shadab’s all-round contributions are impressive. Given that Sri Lankan pitches traditionally assist spin, he could be a major threat in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
