Team India will enter the T20 World Cup 2026 as a formidable contender to retain their title. The Men in Blue haven’t lost a T20I series under Suryakumar Yadav-Gautam Gambhir regime, boasting an impressive win-loss record of 33-5.
Looking at the unprecedented dominance, former cricketer-turned-commentator Deep Dasgupta also believes that India are the team to beat in the global showpiece. However, he didn’t rule out the possibility that the latter stages of the tournament could prove a bit trickier.
With the legendary Virat Kohli not there to anchor the innings, Dasgupta reckons that the likes of skipper Suryakumar and Tilak Varma can play that role rather than following the all-out attacking approach.
“Virat played a very, very important role in the last World Cup because of pitches that he played on. So if the pitch is doing something and you have the power-hitters like you do, it is very, very difficult for them to adapt. Because that is the only way they play,” Dasgupta said while speaking to PTI.
“But I still think you need somebody who can play that holding role. Not necessarily that you have to play that role in every game. When I look at Tilak and Surya, India have got in this side these two guys who can change their game based on conditions,” he added.
Dasgupta was effusive in praise of the Indian team, saying that the side had gone to the next level since former skipper Rohit Sharma led them to the T20 World Cup title in 2024.
“There are a few changes but this team has gone to the next level since Rohit inspired his team to that trophy couple of years ago. The way they played against New Zealand recently was something special. Unless they have one bad day, which can happen in this format, India should be able to win the trophy again,” Dasgupta stated.
“It is sad that Sanju is not in form. And it also kind of makes things a little tricky for the Indian side. But it was good to see Tilak playing that side game yesterday. But the next challenge is how serious are you looking at a left-right combination? Yeah. And if Surya bats at four, then you’re looking at top three left-handers (Abhishek, Kishan, Tilak), which I personally think it’s fine,” he remarked.
India are placed in Group A along with Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands and the USA. The defending champions will begin their campaign against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium.
