3 positives for India ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

India will play their opening game against the USA in T20 World Cup 2026.

India are ready to defend their title at the T20 World Cup 2026. The Suryakumar Yadav & Co. are placed in Group A in the 20-team tournament, and will face the USA in their opening game on February 7.

Under Suryakumar’s captaincy, India have been a dominating side since the last T20 World Cup in 2024. They have won all bilateral T20I series and have performed brilliantly both at home and away. As India gear up for the World Cup, below are three positives for the Men-in-Blue ahead of the tournament.

3. Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form

Last year, Suryakumar Yadav failed to score a half-century in the 21 T20Is he played. Although he scored an unbeaten 47 runs in one clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, he averaged just 13.62 in 19 outings.

However, the right-handed batsman regained his form in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand last month, winning the Player of the Series award.

Smacking three half-centuries across five games, he ended as the leading run-scorer in the campaign. The Indian captain is a vital part of the team’s batting unit and will play a crucial role in the World Cup.

2. Tilak Varma’s recovery

Tilak Varma is a crucial one-down batter for India in the upcoming World Cup. His match-winning half-century for the Men in Blue in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan proves his value for the side.

Unfortunately, the left-handed batsman sustained an injury in January during a Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) match. As a result, he underwent testicular surgery and had to miss the field for over a month.

He spent time at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) for rehabilitation, and now he is fully fit ahead of the campaign. Varma has also performed well in the warm-up matches, which is a good sign for the Indian Team.

1. Ishan Kishan’s batting dominance

After his outstanding performance in domestic cricket, star wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan returned to the national team in 2026 after a gap of more than two years.

The left-handed batsman rocked with his performance in the T20I series against New Zealand, smacking a half-century and his maiden ton. Winning two Player of the Match awards across four games, he made a mark with his performances.

He was also picked in the warm-up match against South Africa, where he scored a half-century while batting as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma. Hence, Kishan’s magnificent form will be a big boost for the Suryakumar Yadav & Co. ahead of the tournament.

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