‘This team is better than 2007’ – Virender Sehwag on India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has made a bold assessment of Team India’s prospects ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, claiming the current squad is superior to the one that lifted the inaugural title back in 2007. The legendary batter was part of the MS Dhoni-led side that stunned the cricketing world in South Africa and ignited the global T20 revolution.

India’s approach in 2007 was radically different, with established stars such as Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sourav Ganguly opting out of the tournament. That youthful group, combined with a few experienced campaigners like Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, defied expectations and scripted a historic triumph.

Nearly two decades later, Sehwag believes the current setup checks all the right boxes and boasts far greater depth across departments.

“This is one of the best teams we have put out for the T20 World Cup. This team is better than the one we had in the 2007 T20 World Cup. We have brilliant all-rounders, spinners, and fast bowlers. It is not like we cannot win this World Cup, but it should be our day when it matters in the knockouts,” Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

The former opener also drew parallels with India’s iconic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, suggesting that the present squad has the mental strength to handle pressure situations on home soil. Under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, India have enjoyed an impressive run in recent months, including a convincing 4-1 series win over New Zealand, reinforcing their status as tournament favourites.

“Our T20 World Cup squad is brilliant, we are doing very well in Suryakumar Yadav’s reign as captain, and we just beat New Zealand 4-1. There are a lot of young and experienced players, there is a perfect blend of youth and experience here. This World Cup is happening on home soil, and just like we had won in 2011, we will win once again at home,” he added.

Despite India’s strong record, recent history at home ICC events has been bittersweet. Since the 2011 ODI World Cup, India have hosted the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, only to fall short in the knockout stages on both occasions after entering as favourites.

Virender Sehwag’s advice for Team India ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

With expectations soaring once again, Sehwag offered some blunt advice to help the players stay focused. The 2007 World Cup winner urged the squad to shut out external distractions, including media scrutiny and social media pressure, during the tournament.

“My message for the Indian team would be to not pay heed to the outside noise on social media. Just play your cricket, don’t read the newspaper, don’t watch TV, and if possible, don’t use social media as well during the World Cup. If you do that, then you will be in your space, and can perform better,” Sehwag said.

India are scheduled to play a warm-up fixture against South Africa on February 4 before opening their group-stage campaign against the United States of America (USA) in Mumbai on Saturday, February 7, as they begin their quest for a third T20 World Cup title.