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Ganguly Backs India as 2026 T20 WC Favorites, Lauds Suryakumar's Form

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has declared India the favorites to win the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, praising the team's powerful balance across batting, bowling, and fielding. He specifically lauded captain Suryakumar Yadav as a "champion T20 player" following his unbeaten 84-run knock in a warm-up match. India defeated the USA by 29 runs in that match, posting 161/9 before restricting their opponents to 132/8. Key bowling performances came from Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh, while the USA's batters put up a fighting effort.

Key Points: Sourav Ganguly Names India Favorites for 2026 T20 World Cup

  • India tipped as 2026 T20 WC favorites
  • Praise for team's all-round balance
  • Suryakumar Yadav hailed as champion player
  • India beat USA by 29 runs in warm-up
2 min read

Ganguly hails India as favourites for 2026 T20 World Cup, praises Suryakumar Yadav

Former captain Sourav Ganguly hails India's balanced team and Suryakumar Yadav's champion performance, tipping them to win the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"He is a champion T20 player. - Sourav Ganguly"

New Delhi, February 8

Former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly on Sunday hailed the Suryakumar Yadav-led side team's balance across all departments, aligning them as favourites to lift the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

"This is a very powerful and strong team with all the balances - bowling, batting, and fielding. As the World Cup goes, they will get better. They are the favourites to win the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup," Ganguly told reporters.

Speaking on captain Suryakumar Yadav's performance in India's match against the USA, Ganguly added, "He came in this tournament after scoring a lot of runs. He is a champion T20 player."

Coming to the match, after being asked to bat first, the Men in Blue made 161/9 in 20 overs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 8. Captain Suryakumar played a fantastic, unbeaten knock of 84 off 49 deliveries.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan (20 off 16 balls, with one four and two sixes) and Tilak Varma (25 off 16 balls, with three fours and one six) also chipped in with the bat.

For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/29) and Harmeet Singh (2/26) were among the wicket-takers.

In response, the USA were restricted to 132/8 as they lost the match by 29 runs. Milind Kumar (34 off 34 balls, with four boundaries), Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37 off 31 balls, with two sixes and one four) and Shubham Ranjane (37 off 22 balls, with two fours and three sixes) played fighting knocks for their side.

For India, Mohammed Siraj (3/29), Axar Patel (2/24), and Arshdeep Singh (2/18) picked wickets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Suryakumar Yadav's innings was pure class! 84* under pressure shows why he's the captain. Ganguly is right to call him a champion. The future looks bright for Indian T20 cricket. 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
Favourites tag is a double-edged sword. It adds pressure. Remember 2023 ODI WC? We need to focus on process, not just the result two years away. Bowling attack looks good though, Siraj and Arshdeep were brilliant.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the USA put up a fight! Harmeet Singh taking wickets against India. Shows how global cricket is becoming. But yes, India's depth is incredible. They should be contenders.
V
Vikram M
Balance across departments is key. We finally have batting till No. 8-9 and multiple bowling options. Ganguly built a tough team, now we are seeing the fruits. Hope we can finally win an ICC trophy soon!
K
Kavya N
While I appreciate the optimism, calling a team favourites for a tournament two years away feels premature. Form, injuries, and new emerging teams can change everything. Let's enjoy the current cricket!

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