T20 World Cup 2026: Five players who deserved more opportunities

The T20 World Cup 2026 delivered plenty of thrilling contests, standout performances, and memorable moments as teams battled for global supremacy in the shortest format. However, like every major tournament, some players found themselves on the sidelines for longer than expected despite showing promise whenever they were given opportunities.

Team combinations, tactical decisions, and intense competition for spots meant a few talented cricketers did not get enough chances to make a significant impact.

T20 World Cup 2026: Five players who deserved more opportunities

5. Anrich Nortje, South Africa

The express pace bowler from South Africa, Anrich Nortje did not get enough opportunities in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. The South African team had a stellar campaign, winning all of their matches till the semifinal, where they faced a defeat at the hands of New Zealand at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The Aiden Markram-led side was brilliant and a settled, which meant that Nortje could not get many chances in the playing XI. The right-arm pacer played just two matches, picking up three wickets. Despite his experience, the duo of Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada was preferred.

4. Mohammed Siraj, India

The 32-year-old from Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj was part of India’s World Cup winning squad of 2026. He was initially not named in the squad, but destiny had other plans. Siraj was named as Harshit Rana’s injury replacement just before India’s opening match against the USA.

He was straightaway included in the playing XI against USA at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai and had a great outing with him picking up three wickets for just 29 runs. Unfortunately for him, Siraj did not get any further opportunity during India’s remaining campaign due to team combinations.

3. Rinku Singh, India

The left-hander batter Rinku Singh played five matches for the Men in Blue in their successful campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026. Rinku was named in the playing XI for India’s opening match against USA where he had a poor outing, scoring just six runs in 14 deliveries. Overall, he scored only 24 runs across five innings, but he also never got the chance to settle himself in, as he faced only 29 deliveries.

He was eventually dropped after India’s loss to South Africa in the Super 8 stage and was not part of India’s playing XI afterwards. He could have gotten more chances if not for Abhishek Sharma’s poor form, which prompted India to include Sanju Samson at the top at Rinku’s expense.

2. Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan

The dashing left-hander from Pakistan was one player that the team failed to utilise. Fakhar Zaman was not included in any of Pakistan’s playing XIs till the Super 8 stages. He played two innings in the T20 World Cup 2026, scoring 109 impactful runs.

He was then promoted to the opening position in their must-win encounter against Sri Lanka, and the left-hander did not disappoint, as he smashed 84 runs in just 42 balls. He could have been used differently by the Men in Green.

1. Kuldeep Yadav, India

The left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav only got to play one match in India’s World Cup winning campaign. He was included in the playing XI for the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on a sluggish Colombo pitch, and he delivered a good performance. Kuldeep picked up a wicket in his three overs, giving away just 14 runs.

Due to team combinations and team management’s preference of using the services of Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy in the spin department meant Kuldeep had to stay on the sidelines. He could have made impact with his bowling if given more chances.