England batter Philip Salt has admitted that India poses a formidable challenge ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, conceding that beating the defending champions would require more than just skill and a fair share of luck.

India has been virtually unstoppable in T20 internationals since August 2023, remaining unbeaten across bilateral series and multi-nation tournaments. During this period, the Men in Blue have emerged as the most dominant side in the format, winning 49 of their 63 matches and losing only three.

As India head into the upcoming World Cup as defending champions and hosts, Salt acknowledged the scale of the challenge and expressed excitement at the prospect of facing them on the biggest stage.

The England opener was also full of praise for India’s rising star Abhishek Sharma, addressing the frequent comparisons between the two. Salt highlighted Sharma’s unique ability to dominate bowlers from the very first delivery and stressed that while comparisons are inevitable, both batters bring their own distinct styles to the game.

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“The fact that he can hit the first ball for a six, the way he runs down the wicket, fights that line from straight to get it over the off side, and then also hits wide balls over the leg side, it’s completely different. I’m never going to be him, and he’s never going to be me. But I really enjoy watching him bat,” Salt said.

Since making his T20I debut in July 2024, Abhishek has been in sensational form. He is the leading run-scorer in the format among full-member nations during this period, amassing 1,267 runs in 36 innings at an average of 37.26 and a staggering strike rate of 194.92. His tally includes two centuries and eight half-centuries.

Currently ranked No.1 in the ICC T20I batting rankings, Abhishek is expected to play a crucial role in India’s title defence on home soil.

India will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA on Saturday, February 7. The Men in Blue have been drawn into Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA.