Ravi Shastri Backs India as 'Clear Favourites' to Win Back-to-Back T20 World Cup Titles in 2026

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind the defending champions, declaring India as the clear favourites to become the first team to win back-to-back ICC Men's T20 World Cup titles.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 set to be hosted on home soil, the stakes couldn't be higher for Rohit Sharma's men as they look to defend the crown they clinched in the Caribbean in 2024.

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India's Dominant Run Since 2024 Triumph

The numbers speak for themselves. Since lifting the trophy in 2024, India has been virtually unstoppable in the shortest format, compiling an extraordinary match record of 32 wins against just 5 losses. This remarkable consistency has cemented their position at the top of the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings.

"I think the defending champions start as clear favourites. Man to man, current form, match fitness, the amount of cricket they have played in recent times, makes them clear favourites. And especially when you look at that top order and the kind of form they're in."

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Star-Studded Squad Ready for Glory

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India's squad for the tournament reads like a who's who of T20 cricket excellence. The team boasts the world's No.1 T20I batter in Abhishek Sharma and the No.1 T20I bowler in Varun Chakaravarthy, providing a formidable spine around which the entire campaign will be built.

Batting Firepower

The top order has been in scintillating form, giving Shastri supreme confidence in India's title defence. The blend of aggressive strokeplay and experience makes this batting lineup one of the most feared in world cricket.

Bowling Arsenal

Shastri highlighted spin as a potential game-changer on home pitches.

"I think spin will play an integral part. And India has got enough ammunition in that spin department. There's Chakaravarthy, there's Axar Patel, there's Kuldeep Yadav."

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The Perfect Blend of Youth and Experience

One of Shastri's key observations centres on the squad's composition, which he believes strikes the ideal balance between fresh talent and seasoned campaigners.

"There's less baggage on a lot of players. They're playing their first World Cup and it's an opportunity for them to express themselves."

However, the experience from 2024 remains invaluable.

"From the team that played the previous World Cup and won it in the West Indies, you've got tons of experience and brilliance."

Key Experienced Players

• Jasprit Bumrah: The spearhead of India's pace attack and a proven match-winner in pressure situations
• Hardik Pandya: Currently in "terrific form" according to Shastri, with his all-round abilities providing crucial balance
• Shivam Dube: Has developed impressively and adds left-handed firepower to the middle order

Shastri also expressed hope for Tilak Varma's fitness, describing him as "a terrific player" whose left-handed presence at the top of the order could make a significant difference.

Recent Form: A Statement of Intent

India's preparation for the World Cup has been nothing short of exceptional:

• vs South Africa (December): Defeated the 2024 World Cup finalists 3-1 in a five-match T20I series
• vs New Zealand (January): Took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match series

These results against quality opposition demonstrate India's readiness for the ultimate challenge.

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A Word of Caution: Handling Home Pressure

Despite his bullish assessment, the former India coach issued a timely warning about the unique pressures of defending a title on home turf.

"When you're defending your title and when you're playing at home, there is pressure and it comes from nowhere. You have a bad 15 minutes, a bad 10 minutes in a T20 game, it can decide the outcome of the game. And often, you lose those 10 minutes or 15 minutes because of pressure."

His advice? Start strong.

"If they start well, even if there is a hiccup on the way, they have got depth in batting to pull them out of it."

India's Group Stage Challenge

India have been drawn in Group A and will kick off their campaign on February 7 against the USA. The group also features:

• Pakistan
• Netherlands
• Namibia

While the India-Pakistan encounter will undoubtedly generate the most excitement, Shastri's message is clear: respect every opponent and handle the pressure that comes with playing on home soil.

Looking Ahead: Can India Make History?

No team has ever successfully defended the T20 World Cup title. India stand on the cusp of cricket immortality, armed with the world's best players, unbeatable recent form, and the backing of a billion fans.

With the right balance of youth and experience, spin-bowling riches perfect for Indian conditions, and match-winners across all departments, Shastri's assessment appears well-founded. The question now is whether this supremely talented group can handle the weight of expectation and deliver when it matters most.

The cricketing world will be watching as India begin their quest for history on February 7.