T20 World Cup 2026: Aakash Chopra predicts three bowlers to make an impact in marquee event

Former India opener Aakash Chopra picked Indian stars Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah, and Australian spinner Adam Zampa as his top three impact bowlers for the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, February 7.

During an interaction on ESPNcricinfo’s YouTube channel, the cricketer-turned-commentator said that in-form mystery spinner Chakaravarthy was his first choice, followed by Indian speedster Bumrah and veteran leg-spinner Zampa.

Chakaravarthy has been in scintillating form since he made a comeback into the Indian team in October 2024 following a three-year hiatus. The Tamil Nadu cricketer has an exemplary T20I record, having taken 59 wickets in 36 games at an average of 15.69 and a strike rate of 13.17.

Meanwhile, Bumrah has been a dependable bowler for India since his debut in 2016. He was the Player of the Tournament when India won the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in 2024. The right-arm fast bowler picked up 15 wickets in eight games at a mind-boggling average of 8.27 and a staggering economy rate of 4.18.

Zampa, on the other hand, has won many games for Australia in white-ball cricket with his potent white-ball bowling. He has the experience of playing 111 T20Is and picking up 139 wickets at an average of 20.99 and a strike rate of 17.09.

While coming to the batters, Chopra picked Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Jos Buttler as his three impact batters for the 20-team tournament.

Abhishek is the top-ranked Indian batter, and he strikes at 194.75 after playing 37 T20I innings. He has an excellent average of 37.06 as well.

Travis Head and Jos Buttler will also have important roles to play during the T20 World Cup. Both of them like to take the attack to the bowlers from the outset. Buttler has more experience, having led England to the title in 2022.

While picking the semi-finalists, Chopra went with India, Australia, England, and New Zealand. India and England have won the coveted title twice. Meanwhile, Australia won the competition in 2021. The Kiwis are yet to lift the title.