5 coaches in T20 World Cup 2026 who played the inaugural 2007 edition ft. Morne Morkel

The much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026 is underway in India and Sri Lanka. A total of 20 teams are taking part in the tournament. Scotland replaced Bangladesh at the last moment. In total, 52 matches will be played before the semi-finals and final.

The Netherlands are facing Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC tournament. Defending champions India will start their campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7. Below is a look at the four groups of the tournament:

• Group A: India, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan, USA
• Group B: Australia, Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe
• Group C: England, Italy, Nepal, Scotland, West Indies
• Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE

Here are five former players who took part in the first T20 World Cup in 2007 and are now coaching teams in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

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1. Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir played in the 2007 T20 World Cup and played a key role in India’s title win. The left-handed batter was the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament, scoring 227 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 129.71, including three half-centuries. In the final against Pakistan, he scored 75 runs off 54 balls with two sixes and eight fours as India won the match by five runs.

As a coach, Gambhir has guided India to seven straight T20I series wins after taking over from Rahul Dravid. Under his guidance, India also won the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. He will now aim to help India become the first team to win a T20 World Cup at home.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya represented Sri Lanka in the 2007 T20 World Cup. He scored 154 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 160.42, including two half-centuries. With the ball, he took four wickets at an economy rate of 7.94. However, Sri Lanka failed to reach the semi-finals.

As a coach, Jayasuriya faces a tough task. Sri Lanka recently lost a T20I series to England 0-3 and drew their previous series against Pakistan 1-1. Sri Lanka are placed in Group B along with Australia, Oman, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.

3. Brendon McCullum

England head coach Brendon McCullum also played in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The former wicketkeeper-batter scored 139 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 121.93. His performance helped New Zealand reach the semi-finals.

After England lost the Ashes series 1-4, McCullum helped the team bounce back by winning a T20I series in Sri Lanka 3-0. He will now look to guide England, two-time champions, to a strong showing in the 2026 T20 World Cup. England are placed in Group C with Italy, Nepal, Scotland, and the West Indies.

4. Daren Sammy

Daren Sammy was part of the West Indies squad in the 2007 T20 World Cup but did not play a match. During his career, he played 68 T20Is for the West Indies, scoring 587 runs and taking 44 wickets.

As coach, Sammy has a big challenge ahead. The West Indies have lost their last three T20I series against South Africa, Afghanistan, and New Zealand. With senior players like Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine missing, Sammy will need strong performances from the rest of the squad.

5. Morne Morkel

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel also played in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The former South African fast bowler took nine wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 6.00. His best performance was 4/17 against New Zealand. South Africa, however, did not reach the semi-finals that year.

With top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj in the squad, Morkel will be hopeful of India lifting the 2026 T20 World Cup. Under his coaching, India have already won the 2025 Champions Trophy.