'I’ll be very surprised' - Graeme Smith on clear favourites to win T20 World Cup 2026

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has made bold claims about Indian cricket, noting them as a clear favourite to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The legendary cricketer believes that even though the Indian men's team is going through an interesting transition phase under the coach Gautam Gambhir, they cannot be taken lightly ahead of the 20-team tournament. 

Speaking at an event, the former South African great described the current transition phase in Indian cricket between Gambhir

and senior players as a fascinating one. Despite all of this, he believes India has enough talent, and one should never write them off.

“With India’s talent, you can never write them off. It’s a home World Cup. And it does seem an interesting transition phase in Indian cricket, you know, between Gautam (Gambhir) and senior players and, you know, who’s next and how that transition happens. And it seems to be in an interesting place. So, it’s going to be good to watch how things go. But certainly from a talent perspective, India, if they’re not in the last four at least, I’ll be very surprised,” he was quoted as saying by The Times of India. 

At the same time, Smith admitted he would love to see South Africa defeat the Men in Blue in the finals of the World Cup, if the two sides meet in the finale once again, showing support towards his motherland.

“Obviously, I’d like us to beat India in the final (laughs). I think if Shukri [Conrad - South Africa head coach] and the team can get their combinations right, I think there’s a real opportunity that the team can do very well. And, you know, I think there’s enough quality of ability to play spin there as well in that middle order, particularly in India. So, let’s hope, you know, that there will be a good World Cup around the corner,” said Smith.

India to kick off campaign against the USA 

For the unversed, the Indian team had beaten South Africa in the final of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, with Rahul Dravid as head coach. Since then, many things have changed in Indian cricket, with Gambhir being taking over the coaching role, whereas Suryakumar Yadav replaced Rohit as the T20I skipper. 

​India, also the co-hosts, are slated to begin their title defence on February 07, against the USA in Mumbai. In the buildup to the global tournament, they will be playing a five-match T20I series against New Zealand as they look to find rhythm and form ahead of the marquee event.