[WATCH] Brett Lee Backs Team India Ace To Win MVP Award At T20 World Cup

Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has tipped Team India star Suryakumar Yadav to emerge as the Most Valuable Player at the T20 World Cup 2026. Suryakumar is set to captain India at the marquee tournament, where the holders will be aiming to successfully defend their title.

The right-handed batter was in sublime touch during the recently concluded T20I series against New Zealand. He captained India to a commanding 4–1 series win and starred with the bat, scoring 242 runs in five innings at an average of 80.66 and a strike rate of 196.74, with three half-centuries.

After enduring a lean patch in T20Is through much of 2025, Suryakumar’s return to form ahead of the global event has come as a significant boost for the Men in Blue.

Lee made his prediction during an appearance on Mr. Cricket UAE’s podcast.

 

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Additionally, Brett Lee tipped Team India mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to finish as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

“His form coming into this, the wickets will be prepared that will suit him, the way that he can bamboozle the batters, I think this is set for him, this will be his World Cup,” he said.

Brett Lee picks T20 World Cup champion and top four contenders

Brett Lee was asked to predict the winner of the T20 World Cup 2026. He said the title would likely be won by either India or Australia, but chose Australia as his final pick.

“It’ll be one of two, India or Australia. Don’t hate me, Australia will win, that’s my heart,” he said.

India enter the tournament as the defending champions, having lifted the title twice, in 2007 and 2024, while Australia have claimed the trophy once, in 2021. The legendary Australian fast bowler predicted that India, Australia, England, and New Zealand would make the semi-finals, adding that New Zealand stand out as his dark horse pick.

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