- Team India was the overwhelming favourite when the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 edition kick-started in right earnest, jointly hosted by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Sri Lankan Cricket Board. The ease with which Team India had played leading up to the marquee event ensured the focus of the favourites firmly stayed on the host nation. Of course, the talented bunch of players representing the team was not only handpicked for their performances but also groomed to be primed for the shortest format of the game, which places great emphasis on going for the kill right at the beginning of the innings. Mind you, the favourites tag also places additional pressure on the team, already feeling the heat of expectations playing at home.
PC: Sports Tak
- People closely following the cricket trajectory would have noticed how Bangladesh pulled out from the tournament, and Pakistan threatened to boycott the marquee clash with Team India scheduled in Sri Lanka. It’s another story altogether that the match went ahead, and Team India comfortably demolished Pakistan yet again in the ICC event. However, cometh the Super 8s, Team India suffered an unexpected spanking at the hands of the South Africans, losing by a huge margin of 77 runs that instantly placed the team under tremendous pressure to stay in the hunt for the business end of the event. What followed from thereon completely established the credentials of Team India’s resilience, depth, and great instinct to survive fighting odds. What a turnaround!
PC: Deccan Herald
- Mind you, opener Abhishek Sharma, the No. 1 batter in the format, endured a wretched form when all teams were skeptical about the batter’s belligerent attacking play at the top. The string of low scores must have dented his confidence considerably. Thankfully, the decision to play keeper-batter Sanju Samson against Zimbabwe proved to be a master stroke. Though Sanju scored 26 runs, the manner with which he went about it must have warmed the cockles of the team management big time. However, what followed in the must-win game against the West Indies completely turned around the fortunes of Sanju and Team India for good. A whirlwind knock of 97 runs while chasing a stiff target was timely, changing the course of the team completely.
PC: Republic World
- That knock was followed by yet another display of scintillating, sublime, and superbly paced innings of 89 in the semi-finals against England, followed by a serene 89 runs against New Zealand in the finals ensured Team India had an impactful start at the beginning itself. Team India’s bowling was led by who else but an indefatigable and peerless Jasprit Bumrah, ensuring the opposition never runs away with the game. Axar Patel was not only handy with the ball but also took unbelievable catches in the field. No. 1 T20 bowler Varun Chakravarthy was not his penetrative best but had a decisive part to play in the campaign. All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube contributed when it mattered most at crucial times. Team India was deserving winners, by far!
