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STUMP VISION FEBRUARY 06, 2026 | The Indian Eye 44

India Tune Up for T20 World

Cup with Depth, Balance and a

Champion’s Mindset

Defending champions India head into the T20 World Cup as favourites, blending fearless new faces,

proven match-winners and growing tactical clarity as the countdown to February begins.

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai

s the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approach-
es, India appear to be arriving at the tour-
Anament with an enviable mix of confidence,
clarity and cushion — the rare luxury of a defend-
ing champion that has both form and flexibility on
its side. Former India all-rounder and head coach
Ravi Shastri believes the Men in Blue begin their
title defence as “clear favourites,” citing current
form, match fitness and squad balance as decisive
factors.
India open their campaign on February 7
against the USA and have been drawn into Group
A alongside Pakistan, the Netherlands and Na-
mibia. Since lifting the T20 World Cup trophy in
Barbados under Rohit Sharma in 2024, India have
barely put a foot wrong in the shortest format, win-
ning series consistently and expanding their bench
strength. Under new captain Suryakumar Yadav,
the side has embraced an aggressive but adaptable
approach, designed to withstand the volatility of
T20 cricket. Shivam Dube plays a shot during the Asia Cup 2025 final match against Pakistan (ANI file photo)
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri pointed
to India’s top order as a major advantage. “Man
to man, current form, match fitness, the amount order but also improves match-ups against spin, a himself spoke about the evolution of his mindset,
of cricket they have played in recent times, makes factor expected to play a decisive role during the shaped by repeated exposure to high-pressure sit-
them clear favourites. Especially when you look at tournament. uations. With a strike rate above 170 since the 2024
that top order and the kind of form they are in,” Spin bowling is another area where India ap- World Cup and improving bowling contributions,
he said. Equally important, according to Shastri, is pear well-stocked. Varun Chakaravarthy’s mys- Dube has emerged as a genuine X-factor, particu-
the psychological freedom enjoyed by several play- tery, Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin craft, Axar Patel’s larly against spin in the middle overs.
ers who will be featuring in their first World Cup. control and Washington Sundar’s versatility give Shastri, however, sounded a familiar note of
“There is less baggage on a lot of players. They are India a varied spin arsenal. Shastri stressed that caution drawn from recent history. Referring to
playing their first World Cup, and it is an opportu- correct combinations and balance will be crucial. India’s loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, he
nity for them to express themselves.” “Spin will play an integral part. When you look at warned about the invisible pressure that comes
That blend of freshness and experience de- variety, players at the right positions and balance, with expectations, especially when playing at home
fines India’s current setup. The core of the 2024 India can defend this title,” he said. or as defending champions. “You have a bad 10 or
title-winning side — including Jasprit Bumrah, Recent matches against New Zealand have 15 minutes in a T20 game, it can decide the out-
Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube also served as a valuable dress rehearsal, high- come. Often, that happens because of pressure,”
and Suryakumar Yadav — provides stability and lighting both India’s strengths and areas that need he noted. How India start the tournament, he add-
know-how in pressure situations. Around them, tightening. Despite leading the five-match T20I ed, could shape their entire campaign.
players like Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh and series 3-1, India suffered a 50-run defeat in the With depth in batting, variety in bowling and
Harshit Rana add dynamism and depth, giving In- fourth match at Visakhapatnam, a reminder of how a squad comfortable with rotation and role clari-
dia multiple options depending on conditions and quickly momentum can shift in this format. New ty, India appear better prepared than ever for the
opposition. Zealand’s aggressive powerplay batting and dis- chaos of a T20 World Cup. If they manage to de-
Fitness, however, remains one watch point. ciplined spin bowling exposed India’s early-order fend the title, they will become the first team to
India will be keen to have Tilak Varma fully fit vulnerability, even as Shivam Dube’s blistering 23- do so and lift their third T20 crown. For now, the
after abdominal surgery, with Shastri underlin- ball 65 showcased India’s middle-order firepower. signs point to a side that is not just talented, but
ing the importance of the left-hander at number For India, such setbacks are being treated as ready — mentally, tactically and collectively — for
three. His presence not only strengthens the top learning opportunities rather than alarms. Dube the challenge ahead.

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