'Team with all the balances': Former India captain Sourav Ganguly predicts T20 World Cup 2026 winner
NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has praised the current Indian T20 team, saying they look strong and well-balanced in every department. He believes the Suryakumar Yadav-led side has what it takes to win the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and should be considered favourites.
Talking to reporters, Ganguly highlighted how complete the team looks with both bat and ball, as well as in the field.
He said, "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," showing strong confidence in India’s chances.
He also praised captain Suryakumar Yadav, especially for his recent form and leadership. Speaking about Suryakumar’s performance, Ganguly said, "He came in this tournament after scoring a lot of runs. He is a champion T20 player."
In India’s match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 8, India were asked to bat first and scored 161 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs.
Suryakumar led from the front with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, playing a calm and powerful innings when the team needed him most.
Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma also added useful runs to push India to a competitive total. For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk and Harmeet Singh were the standout bowlers.
Chasing 162, the USA fought hard but could only reach 132 for 8, losing the match by 29 runs. Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Shubham Ranjane tried to keep the chase alive with good knocks, but Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh took key wickets to seal the win.
Overall, Ganguly’s comments reflect growing belief that this Indian team could go all the way in the World Cup.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
He said, "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," showing strong confidence in India’s chances.
He also praised captain Suryakumar Yadav, especially for his recent form and leadership. Speaking about Suryakumar’s performance, Ganguly said, "He came in this tournament after scoring a lot of runs. He is a champion T20 player."
In India’s match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 8, India were asked to bat first and scored 161 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs.
Suryakumar led from the front with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, playing a calm and powerful innings when the team needed him most.
Chasing 162, the USA fought hard but could only reach 132 for 8, losing the match by 29 runs. Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Shubham Ranjane tried to keep the chase alive with good knocks, but Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh took key wickets to seal the win.
Overall, Ganguly’s comments reflect growing belief that this Indian team could go all the way in the World Cup.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
Popular from Sports
- U-turn complete! India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match to go ahead in Colombo on February 15
- Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan among five players dropped from BCCI central contracts
- T20 World Cup: Player with multiple Test and ODI appearances for Pakistan called as replacement for USA's Jasdeep Singh
- 'We didn't keep Sachin Tendulkar waiting': Growing calls for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's early India call-up
- 'Stop the lip service': Former India cricketer's blunt message after Nepal stun the T20 World Cup
end of article
Featured in sports
- T20 World Cup: de Leede's all-round brilliance helps Netherlands beat Namibia by 7 wickets
- 'Pakistan will be beaten again': Ex-Pak cricketer guarantees - Watch
- T20 WC: Openers’ onslaught swings chase firmly in NZ's favour
- Quote of the day by Kohli: 'It's time for the next generation to take over'
- 'Not going to be easy': Ganguly warns Pakistan in high-stakes World Cup showdown
- IOC approves black armband but denies tribute helmet for Ukrainian Olympian
International Sports
- Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl LX winning head coach Mike Macdonald admits to an awkward situation on Jimmy Kimmel Live
- Raiders’ new head coach Klint Kubiak reveals the simple Super Bowl tip from Gary Kubiak that helped power Seattle’s title run
- Will Travis Kelce retire? New projection hints at one more year in Kansas City Chiefs on a reduced salary
- Super Bowl LX halftime viewership debate erupts as TPUSA claims clash with NFL numbers
- Seahawks Star Sam Darnold and Kenneth Walker III celebrate Super Bowl glory with Disneyland victory parade
Trending Stories
- T20 WC: Openers’ onslaught swings chase firmly in NZ's favour
- Gold price today: How much 18K, 22K and 24K gold costs in Delhi, Mumbai & more - Check rates for your city
13:42 'Trying to ban India, others ... ': Russia’s Lavrov hits out at US over oil curbs; slams 'war' against tankers- India vs Pakistan to go ahead at T20 World Cup: It's all about the money, honey!
06:52 Rahul Gandhi Questions Memoir Claims: He disputes Penguin's stand on Naravane book; legal row escalates- India match schedule for T20 World Cup: All India upcoming matches, timings, venues
- JEE Main 2026 Result Date & Time Live Updates: JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Final Answer Key Expected Today; Results Likely by February 12
Photostories
- What divine energy shapes your life? check your birth date
- 10 famous abbreviations whose full forms most people don’t know
- What is Udan Yatri Cafe, its motive and Raghav Chadha's connection with it
- From hours to minutes: Delhi-NCR’s plans air taxi corridor could transform commutes
- Chennai metro phase-2: City set for major travel upgrade by 2027
- 7 tallest residential buildings in the world; where homes touch the clouds
- 8 non-veg dishes one can make in an air fryer for a house party and how
- India ranks third globally in cancer cases, and over 50% of the cases could be prevented: Doctor reveals the lifestyle changes that matter
- When to say “sorry” (and when not to): Teaching kids the right way to apologize
- 6 most powerful Lord Shani temples in India and what they are known for
Up Next
Start a Conversation
Post comment