Former India coach Rahul Dravid has warned that even though 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 New Zealand. Dravid knows what it takes to lead India as favorites in major tournaments.
Despite impressive displays in the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, India fell short at the final stages. Team ended its trophy drought with 2024 T20 WC and 2025 Champions Trophy wins, but Dravid warns T20I squad to stay alert at home.
“Irrespective of how strong the Indian team is, one bad day in the office can undo everything,” Dravid said during ‘The Rise of the Hitman’ book launch in Bengaluru (via Times of India).
“They clearly start as favourites, and they will make it to the semi-finals, but as I have learned to my bitter disappointment, it’s about the better team on the day. Anybody can play a good knock and upset you,” he added.
Team India will begin their 2026 T20 World Cup journey with a group-stage match against the United States 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 in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Team India have a chance to make history by becoming the first three-time champions if they defend their crown successfully. To date, only England and the West Indies have won the tournament more than once since its 2007 inception.
India could also become the first team to lift the trophy on home soil. Sri Lanka came close in 2012 but fell to the West Indies in the final.
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