ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Team India favourites to defend title?

Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri believes Team India will begin their ICC T20 World Cup title defence as clear favourites when the tournament gets underway in February. The Men in Blue open their campaign on February 7 against the USA and will be aiming to make history by becoming the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup crown.

Speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Shastri highlighted India’s consistency and depth as key factors behind his confidence. Since lifting the trophy in Barbados under Rohit Sharma, India have looked dominant, remaining unbeaten in bilateral series and showing strong match fitness.

According to Shastri, several players heading into their first World Cup bring freshness and freedom to the side. With “less baggage” on new faces, he feels the opportunity to express themselves could work strongly in India’s favour, especially given the current form of the top order.

Experience That Makes the Difference

Shastri also underlined the importance of experienced campaigners from the 2024 title-winning squad. He pointed to players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube as proven match-winners who offer both brilliance and big-tournament know-how.

He added that India will be keen to have Tilak Varma fully fit following abdominal surgery, noting that the left-hander’s presence at No. 3 could add further balance and flexibility to the batting line-up.

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Spin and Squad Balance Key to Defence

Another major strength, according to Shastri, lies in India’s spin resources. With options like Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, he feels India possess the right variety to control games, provided roles and balance are managed well.

Pressure Still the Biggest Test

Shastri, however, warned that pressure remains a constant threat, especially while playing at home. Drawing from past experience, he cautioned that even a brief lapse of 10–15 minutes in T20 cricket can turn matches.

The Final Word

If India start well and manage pressure smartly, Shastri believes their depth, balance and spin firepower give them every chance to defend the title and add a historic third T20 World Cup to their cabinet.