T20 World Cup 2026: Three emerging player rivalries to watch out for

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 got underway on February 7, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with 20 teams vying for supremacy in the shortest format. India arrive as defending champions after their dramatic triumph in 2024 and once again find themselves among the frontrunners. With packed venues, high stakes, and minimal margins for error, the tournament promises relentless, high-octane cricket.

While team rivalries form the backbone of any World Cup, individual battles often end up defining its narrative. Duels between bat and ball can swing momentum in a handful of deliveries, altering the course of matches. The 2026 edition is set to showcase several such emerging rivalries, as young stars clash in contests of skill, temperament, and adaptability.

Here are 3 emerging rivalries: 

Harry Brook vs Varun Chakravarthy

England captain Harry Brook has rapidly established himself as one of the most destructive middle-order batters in T20 cricket. Armed with power, precise timing, and a fearless mindset, Brook is equally comfortable taking on pace or spin. His wide range of strokes and ability to manipulate the field with his unconventional shots have seen him labelled a generational talent. In 46 T20I innings, Brook has amassed 1064 runs at an average of 31.29 while striking at an impressive rate of 152.

India’s Varun Chakravarthy, however, presents a unique challenge. The mystery spinner thrives on deception, subtle variations, and changes in pace that force batters into hesitation. On spin-friendly surfaces in India and Sri Lanka, this contest could become a tactical duel between aggression and control.

Notably, in three T20 innings against Varun, Brook has managed just 28 runs off 18 balls and has been dismissed on all three occasions. The World Cup offers Brook a chance to rewrite that narrative. Chakravarthy is currently the world No.1 ranked T20I bowler and has taken 59 wickets in 36 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of just 7.77.

Cameron Green vs Usman Tariq

Cameron Green brings a blend of power and all-round ability to Australia’s T20 setup. The tall all-rounder has become a vital cog in the middle order, capable of clearing the ropes with ease while maintaining a high strike rate. Across 23 T20I innings, Green has scored 614 runs at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 153.31. In 2025 alone, he piled up 258 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 168, underlining his growing influence.

Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq offers a contrasting threat. Relying on drift, subtle pace changes, and disciplined lines, Tariq has shown an ability to disrupt aggressive batters. He has taken eight wickets in just three T20Is so far, though adapting to Sri Lankan conditions will be a key test.

Added spice comes from the controversy between the two, following Green’s on-field mocking gesture after Tariq dismissed him. That incident only heightens anticipation around their next encounter.

Ishan Kishan vs Dunith Wellalage

Ishan Kishan’s fearless batting at the top makes him one of India’s most explosive options. Known for attacking from ball one, Kishan can put bowling attacks under immediate pressure. After returning to the national side following a two-year absence, he struck his maiden T20I century recently and enjoyed a successful series against New Zealand ahead of the World Cup. Overall, he has scored 1011 runs in 36 T20Is at an average of 28.88 and a strike rate of 137.

Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage represents a fascinating matchup. The young left-arm spinner has impressed with his composure, control, and ability to extract bounce. Although facing a left-handed batter traditionally favours left-handed batters like Kishan, Wellalage’s variations could still test his attacking instincts. With eight wickets from seven T20Is at an economy rate of 7.77, the Sri Lankan will be keen to prove he can overcome the match-up disadvantage on home soil.