India head into the T20 World Cup 2026 as overwhelming favourites, carrying the weight of expectations that come with hosting the tournament and defending the title they won in 2024. Under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, India is chasing history, a third T20 World Cup crown and an unprecedented hat-trick of titles.

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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is among those backing the hosts to go all the way, but he has also sounded a timely note of caution ahead of the marquee event.

“What’s important in big tournaments like this is to peak at the right time and play your best cricket during the competition,” Ganguly said in a video shared by the Cricket Association of Bengal on Instagram.

While stressing the importance of timing, Ganguly made it clear that India remain one of the standout teams heading into the World Cup.

“India is a very strong side and I think they are at their best at the moment. Their batting, spin attack and the seam bowling led by Jasprit Bumrah, there’s a lot of quality in this team,” he said.
“I know the past doesn’t really matter, but I believe they will peak during the tournament. For me, India are definitely among the favourites.”

India’s confidence is backed by results. Since lifting the T20 World Cup in 2024, the team have not lost a single T20I series under Suryakumar Yadav, underlining their dominance in the shortest format.

Their strength is further reflected in the ICC rankings. Abhishek Sharma currently sits atop the T20I batting charts, while Varun Chakravarthy leads the bowling rankings, giving India match-winners in both departments.

India will begin their World Cup campaign against the USA, Namibia, the Netherlands and Pakistan in the group stage, with the top two teams advancing to the next round. With form, firepower and home advantage on their side, expectations could scarcely be higher.