As the T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off in just three days, the Indian cricket team enters the tournament as the undisputed favorites and defending champions. Currently ranked number one in the world, India's formidable form was on full display during their recent 4-1 series victory over New Zealand, which culminated in a staggering score of 271 in the final match at Thiruvananthapuram.
MS Dhoni's Dew Warning for Home Matches
However, 2007 T20 World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni has raised a significant concern that could challenge Suryakumar Yadav's squad during their home matches. Speaking at a private event, Dhoni acknowledged India as one of the "most dangerous teams" in the competition but highlighted the dew factor as a potential game-changer.
"What worries me again, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things," Dhoni emphasized. "So even when I was playing something that really scared me was dew where the toss becomes crucial and all of that."
Why Dew Poses Such a Threat
The T20 World Cup 2026 is being hosted across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka, with five Indian stadiums scheduled to host matches. February marks the end of winter in India, bringing cooler evening temperatures that facilitate dew formation on the playing surface.
Dhoni explained the competitive implications: "If you are playing 10 matches with some of the best teams, we will come out as winners more often than not if the conditions remain, condition is neutral and all of that." The only captain to win three ICC titles stressed how dew can neutralize India's home advantage by making toss decisions disproportionately important.
India's Group Stage Venues and Schedule
Placed in Group A, India will play their group stage matches across four different venues:
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (vs USA, February 7)
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (vs Namibia, February 12)
- Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo (vs Pakistan, February 15)
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (vs Netherlands, February 18)
Dew is expected to significantly impact all Indian venues during evening matches, potentially affecting bowling strategies and fielding conditions.
India's Formidable T20 Credentials
Despite the dew concern, Dhoni expressed confidence in India's capabilities, noting the team's impressive statistics and experience. India has won 31 of their last 41 T20 Internationals, losing only six matches during this period.
"It's one of the most dangerous teams. But what all is needed in a good team and everything is there. They have the experience. Especially when it comes to this format, the experience is vast. They have played under pressure," Dhoni remarked about Suryakumar Yadav's squad.
The former captain added: "Whoever is playing, whatever roles they are playing in the team, they have been in that situation for a considerable period of time." This combination of recent form, statistical dominance, and pressure experience makes India genuine contenders to defend their T20 World Cup title.
As the tournament approaches, the Indian team must balance their obvious strengths with strategic planning for dew-affected conditions, particularly during crucial home matches where atmospheric factors could influence outcomes as much as player performance.
