‘They don’t have passion to play as a unit’ - Ex-India opener on 'predictably unpredictable' West Indies ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Former India cricketer Aakash Choprahas raised concerns over West Indies’ mindset and team culture as they head into the T20 World Cup 2026, questioning their ability to function as a collective unit on the biggest stage.

Chopra feels that despite possessing match-winners, the Caribbean side often looks disconnected in high-pressure tournaments. The former Delhi batter highlighted that West Indies’ approach appears overly dependent on individual brilliance rather than structured team plans. 

"You will

see individual brilliance, but they don't have the passion to play as a unit. The five fingers don't combine together to make a fist. They don't play together that well, and that's been their story because they are island nations. They don't have a national anthem as well. They have a cricket anthem. When you think about all these things, it becomes very difficult for everyone to stick to their roles and play as a unit," he said on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’.

The ace commentator further added that while the Windies boast power-hitters and exciting bowlers, their inconsistency is their biggest weakness. 

"They are very, very unpredictable. They seem to be a good team on paper and can thrash any team if they play to their potential, but they don't do that. They get thrashed themselves. You don't see that much pride at times. So, that is one area of concern. They are predictably unpredictable," he observed.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, Chopra believes West Indies must rediscover their collective hunger if they are to challenge the top sides.

‘It defies logic’ - Aakash Chopra blown away with Windies’ inconsistency 

The 48-year-old further noted that not just batting, the Shai Hope led side is pretty inconsistent and unpredictable when it comes to bowling as well.

"It defies logic. Inconsistency has become their middle name. That happens with them in bowling as well. They might start well, control the game with spin, and then might get hit for 50 runs in the last three overs. All those kinds of things can happen with this team. They are unpredictable and they are very, very inconsistent," Chopra observed.

West Indies, the two-time T20 World champions, are included in Group C for the 2026 tournament along with Scotland, England, Nepal, and Italy. They will start their campaign against the Scottish side on February 7.