Sourav Ganguly Declares India as Favorites for 2026 T20 World Cup
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed strong confidence in the current Indian T20 team, stating they appear formidable and well-balanced across all departments. Ganguly believes the Suryakumar Yadav-led squad possesses the necessary strength and depth to clinch the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, positioning them as the favorites for the prestigious tournament.
Ganguly's High Praise for Team Balance and Leadership
In a recent interaction with reporters, Ganguly highlighted the comprehensive nature of the Indian team, emphasizing their prowess in batting, bowling, and fielding. He remarked, "This is a very powerful and strong team with all the balances - bowling, batting, and fielding. As the World Cup progresses, they will only improve. They are the favorites to win the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup." This statement underscores his unwavering belief in India's potential to secure victory in the upcoming global event.
Ganguly also lauded captain Suryakumar Yadav for his exceptional recent form and effective leadership. Reflecting on Suryakumar's performance, he noted, "He entered this tournament after scoring a lot of runs. He is a champion T20 player." This endorsement highlights Suryakumar's critical role in steering the team towards success.
Recent Match Performance Against USA
In a recent match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 8, India demonstrated their competitive edge. Batting first after being asked to do so, India posted a total of 161 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, delivering a composed and powerful innings when the team needed it most. Contributions from Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma further bolstered the score, pushing India to a challenging total. For the USA, bowlers Shadley van Schalkwyk and Harmeet Singh stood out with their performances.
Chasing a target of 162 runs, the USA put up a resilient fight but ultimately fell short, managing only 132 for 8 wickets and losing the match by 29 runs. Players like Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Shubham Ranjane attempted to keep the chase alive with commendable knocks. However, Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh secured key wickets to ensure India's victory.
Growing Belief in India's World Cup Prospects
Ganguly's comments reflect a growing sentiment among cricket experts and fans that this Indian team has the capability to go all the way in the World Cup. With a balanced squad and strong leadership, India is poised to make a significant impact in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, building on their recent performances and strategic strengths.
