Former India coach Rahul Dravid has warned that despite the fact that Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates are strong favorites for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a single poor performance could set them back to square one.
The Men in Blue have been dominant in T20Is, losing just three matches since early 2025 and claiming series victories over England, Australia, South Africa, and Recent Zealand. Dravid knows what it takes to guide India as favorites in major tournaments.
Despite impressive displays within the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, India fell short at the ultimate stages. Team ended its trophy drought with 2024 T20 WC and 2025 Champions Trophy wins, but Dravid warns T20I squad to remain alert at home.
“No matter how strong the Indian team is, one bad day within the office can undo every thing,” Dravid said during ‘The Rise of the Hitman’ book launch in Bengaluru (via Times of India).
“They clearly start as favourites, and they’re going to make it to the semi-finals, but as I even have learned to my bitter disappointment, it’s in regards to the higher team on the day. Anybody can play a great knock and upset you,” he added.
Team India will begin their 2026 T20 World Cup journey with a group-stage match against america at Wankhede Stadium on February 7. The defending champions are in Group A, alongside the USA, Pakistan, Namibia, and the Netherlands.
India Eye Historic Third T20 World Cup Title
After claiming their second title within the 2024 T20 World Cup, Team India have a likelihood to make history by becoming the primary three-time champions in the event that they defend their crown successfully. So far, only England and the West Indies have won the tournament greater than once since its 2007 inception.
India could also change into the primary team to lift the trophy on home soil. Sri Lanka got here close in 2012 but fell to the West Indies in the ultimate.
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