Deep Dasgupta Pinpoints Potential Anchors for India's 2026 T20 World Cup Campaign
Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta has shared his insights on who can fill the crucial holding role in India's batting lineup for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. With Virat Kohli no longer part of the T20 setup, Dasgupta emphasized the need for players who can adapt to challenging pitch conditions, a role Kohli mastered in previous tournaments.
The Critical Role of Virat Kohli in Past Tournaments
Dasgupta highlighted Kohli's significant contribution in the last T20 World Cup, particularly on pitches that demanded patience and skill. "Virat played a very, very important role in the last World Cup because of the pitches he played on," Dasgupta stated. He explained that on surfaces offering assistance to bowlers, power-hitters often struggle to adjust their natural aggressive game, making an anchor like Kohli indispensable.
"So if the pitch is doing something and you have the power-hitters, it is very, very difficult for them to adapt. Because that is the only way they play," he added, underscoring the tactical nuance required in such scenarios.
Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma as Key Contenders
Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, Dasgupta identified captain Suryakumar Yadav and young talent Tilak Varma as players capable of stepping into this holding role. He noted that while it might not be necessary in every match, having such flexibility is crucial for India's success. "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," Dasgupta remarked.
He praised their ability to modify their gameplay based on match conditions, saying, "When I look at Tilak and Surya, India have got in this side these two guys who can change their game based on conditions." This adaptability, according to Dasgupta, could be a game-changer in the high-pressure knockout stages of the World Cup.
India's Evolution and Current Squad Dynamics
Dasgupta also commended the Indian team's progress since their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph under former captain Rohit Sharma. "There are a few changes but this team has gone to the next level since Rohit inspired his team to that trophy a couple of years ago," he observed. He pointed to their recent performances, such as the series against New Zealand, as evidence of their elevated standards.
However, he acknowledged challenges, including Sanju Samson's current form issues, which add complexity to team selection. Dasgupta discussed the potential left-right batting combination, noting, "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."
Confidence in India's Trophy Prospects
Despite these considerations, Dasgupta expressed optimism about India's chances in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He believes the team is well-equipped to defend their title, barring any unforeseen setbacks. "Unless they have one bad day, which can happen in this format, India should be able to win the trophy again," he concluded, reflecting confidence in the squad's depth and talent.
