NewKerala.com

T20 World Cup 2026: Irfan Pathan Reveals Favorites and Dark Horses

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his insights ahead of the T20 World Cup next year. He believes India and Australia are the clear frontrunners for the tournament being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pathan also pointed to emerging teams like Afghanistan and Nepal, as well as debutants Italy, as potential dark horses. He expressed strong confidence in the current Indian team's depth and quality to potentially defend their title.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Picks India, Australia as T20 World Cup Favorites

  • Pathan highlights India's squad depth and quality as key title defense factors
  • He notes the unique challenge of defending a T20 World Cup title successfully
  • Afghanistan and Nepal identified as dangerous underdog teams to monitor
  • Debutants Italy bring an intriguing unknown element to Group B
3 min read

Irfan Pathan reveals teams to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan names India and Australia as T20 World Cup 2026 favorites, while highlighting Afghanistan, Nepal, and debutants Italy as teams to watch.

"India and Australia are clear favourites, but watch out for Afghanistan, and Group D looks intriguing... - Irfan Pathan"

Mumbai, December 20

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan pointed to India and Australia being favourites for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and also added that teams like Afghanistan, Nepal and debutants Italy are ones to be watched out for in the tournament next year, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The Indian team squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and the T20I series against New Zealand in January will be announced by skipper Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Mumbai at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters on Saturday. India is placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States and will start its campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.

Australia, the 2021 champions, are in Group B with Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. Nepal and debutants Italy are in Group B against 2022 champions England, two-time champions West Indies and Bangladesh.

Speaking on Cricket Live', Pathan, the JioStar expert, said, "India and Australia are clear favourites, but watch out for Afghanistan, and Group D looks intriguing with South Africa's struggles against wrist-spinners. I am especially keen on newcomers Italy in their debut and Nepal, who have already beaten West Indies (in a T20I series) and shown promise."

Also, speaking on India's current lot of players, he said, that the team is extremely strong in terms of "depth and quality".

"This Indian team is extremely strong in terms of quality and depth, with multiple players competing hard for every spot. Compared to past eras, the options are far better, which is why India has a great chance to defend the title. There will always be a few concerns with any side, including this one, but if this team executes its skills to potential, it will be very difficult to stop India from retaining the T20 World Cup," he said.

Speaking on defending the T20 World Cup, something that has never happened, he said, "Defending a T20 World Cup title is daunting, you are rarely in the same form two years later, and rebuilding that team mindset is tough. Post-2024, three key players retired, thrusting us into transition, though our depth raises hopes of becoming the first home winners. Conditions evolve, pressures mount, unlike our dark-horse 2007 run and by 2009, changed dynamics and lost confidence cost us despite prior experience."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Italy mentioned as a team to watch! The global growth of cricket is fantastic. As a neutral fan, I'm excited to see new teams on the big stage. Group D does look like the "group of death".
P
Priya S
Fully agree with his point about Afghanistan. Their spin attack on subcontinent pitches can be a nightmare for any team. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb... they are genuine match-winners. Hope Nepal also causes an upset or two! 🤞
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think he's being a bit too cautious about defending the title. Yes, it's tough, but with the talent pool we have and home conditions, we should back this team to create history. No need for a "dark horse" mentality anymore!
R
Rohit P
The first match against USA is crucial. Can't afford any slip-ups. Need to start with a big win to set the tone. Jai Hind! 🏏
K
Kavya N
His insight about the team mindset post-2024 retirements is key. Replacing legends is never easy, but the new generation seems ready. Excited for the squad announcement tomorrow!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50