‘This is our World Cup to lose’ – Former all-rounder labels India as favourites to win T20 World Cup 2026

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has opined why he feels India go into the T20 World Cup 2026 as overwhelming favourites. The Men in Blue have been in sublime touch in the 20-over format since a long time now.

Irfan highlighted that India has a balanced team at their disposal and that every department has the best players.

“This team is every selector’s dream, every coach’s dream and every captain’s dream. You want firepower at the top, you want an outstanding bowler who can handle the pressure, you have outstanding spinners. This is a dream time and a dream run for Indian cricket, and we should just not stop winning trophies,” stated Irfan, as quoted by RevSportz.

The erstwhile all-rounder also reserved praise for the team management and also lauded the free atmosphere the think tank has provided to the players.

“A lot of people do criticise the management, but you have got to praise them, seeing how well this young team is playing. Especially how they created the whole atmosphere of being free. This is our World Cup to lose, it is feeling somewhat like that. If you take a look at the other teams, they have a lot of issues. I was just looking at the Australian squad, and some of their main players are injured or they are recovering,” he added.

India enter the marquee event on the back of immense success in T20Is of late. The Suryakumar Yadav-led unit have won series against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Several players from the 2024-winning squad are a part of the upcoming tournament. 

Suryakumar & Co. have been slotted in Group A alongside Pakistan, Netherlands, USA and Namibia. They will kickstart their campaign on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.