The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Subcontinental tracks are expected to be the tactical bowlers' dream. Even though India is still expanding beyond batting, the masters of the white ball will eventually choose who wins the 2026 trophy.

These 5 bowlers have the skills they need to do well in a T20I era when scores often go above 200 runs.

1. Varun Chakaravarthy (India)

The "Mystery Spinner" made the most spectacular return in modern cricket history. Varun Chakaravarthy, India's best tactical weapon, will be the ICC's best T20I bowler at the 2026 World Cup. He had a great year in 2025, when he beat South Africa and England. Now, his ability to deliver leg-breaks and googlies from almost the same seam positions makes him almost impossible to read.

Varun Chakaravarthy is known for his great control during the powerplay overs, when he has consistently stopped the other team's openers with his variations. His economy rate of less than 7 runs per over in high-scoring games shows that he can keep most aggressive batting lineups from scoring big scores. His partnership with his duo spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs is now India's strongest weapon, constructing a spin web that won't be easy for any team out there to tackle.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Top 3 Lowest Team Scores in the ICC T20 World Cup History

2. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) 

No "watch out" list would be complete without the Afghan wizard. Rashid Khan enters 2026 as probably the most successful T20I bowler, having recently become the first to hit the 180-wicket milestone. His lightning-fast arm motion maintains the gold standard in T20I bowling.  

Rashid's years of working with tropical climates render him almost unplayable on the spinning track. The leg-spinner's variations, particularly a faster delivery and an unusual googly, keep hitters guessing throughout his spell. His leadership and calm approach under pressure contributed to Afghanistan's bowling power, making them a serious contender for the title.

3. Jacob Duffy (New Zealand) 

Jacob Duffy, possibly the most surprising name to some, has been the highest wicket-taker in 2025 for the Kiwis. He recently broke Sir Richard Hadlee's 40-year record for the most international wickets by a New Zealander in a single year, collecting 81 last year. His ability to manage the new ball alongside subtle pace alterations in the death overs has catapulted him into the top five in the world rankings, positioning him as the spearhead of the Kiwi attack. 

Duffy's success relies on his versatility and cricket intellect. Unlike typical fast bowlers who concentrate purely on pace, Duffy has perfected the knack of reading circumstances and modifying his angles accordingly. His yorkers in the death overs have proven lethal, with hitters striving to get beneath them for important boundary hits. His fitness and consistency in bowling four overs make him a key addition to New Zealand's campaign.

3. Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)

Abrar Ahmed, who is now ranked No. 2 in the ICC, is Pakistan's solution to the spin-heavy conditions in the subcontinent. Abrar, who is famed for his "finger-spun" mystery bowling, has been quite decent in the middle overs. He came into the competition with a career-best ICC rating of 748.

The emerging star from Pakistan is known for breaking up important partnerships, often taking crucial wickets when batsmen seem to be in charge. His record against left-handed batters is especially excellent since his different types of pitches make it hard for left-handed batters to take control of the middle overs.

5. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) 

With half of the competition taking place in Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga is probably the most deadly player on home turf. He is a consistent match-winner who rates among the top five in the world and thrives under the stress of captaincy. His control of the googly and excellent wicket-taking record against the best batting units in Colombo gives him an extra advantage over the tournament's leading wicket-taker. 

Wanindu Hasaranga's all-around abilities increase his value, as his fearless hitting in the lower order often leads to important runs. The Sri Lankan skipper has an incredible ability to scoop up wickets in a row, frequently dismantling middle orders on his own. His achievements in previous matches on home soil were nothing short of outstanding, and his comfort with the conditions offers him a psychological advantage over visiting teams.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has produced many shocking results over the years. This shows how unpredictable the shortest format of cricket can be. Big teams like India, Australia, and England often start as favourites, but smaller teams and underdogs have surprised everyone with brave and strong performances.

These surprise wins have added a lot of excitement to the tournament. Let us now take a look at five of the most shocking upsets in T20 World Cup history.

Here are the five most shocking upsets in T20 World Cup history.

Also read -Star Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh scripts five-wicket haul despite an unwanted T20I record in IND vs NZ 5th T20I

1. Netherlands vs England, 2009

One of the first big shocks in T20 World Cup history came in 2009 at Lord’s. The Netherlands beat host England by four wickets. England scored 162/5, with Luke Wright hitting 71 off 49 balls. Ryan ten Doeschate took 2 wickets for 35 runs.

The Netherlands chased the target on the last ball. Tom de Grooth scored 49 runs, with support from other batters. James Anderson’s 3/23 went in vain as the Dutch sealed a famous win.

2. Afghanistan vs Australia, 2024

Afghanistan produced a huge upset in the 2024 T20 World Cup by defeating Australia at St Vincent. Afghanistan scored 148/6, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz making 60 and Ibrahim Zadran scoring 51. Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling with 3/28.

Australia were bowled out for 127 in 19.2 overs. Glenn Maxwell’s 59 was not enough. Afghanistan’s bowlers dominated, with Gulbadin Naib taking 4/20 and Naveen-ul-Haq picking up three wickets.

3. Afghanistan vs West Indies, 2016

Afghanistan registered a historic win in the 2016 T20 World Cup at Nagpur, beating West Indies by six runs. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 123/7, with Najibullah Zadran scoring an unbeaten 48 off 40 balls.

West Indies could manage only 117/8 in reply. Dwayne Bravo scored 28, while Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan took two wickets each to seal the win.

4. Namibia vs Sri Lanka, 2022

Namibia shocked Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup at Geelong, winning by 55 runs. Namibia scored 163/7, with Jan Frylinck making 44 and JJ Smit staying unbeaten on 31. Pramod Madushan took 2/37 for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka collapsed in the chase and were bowled out for 108 in 19 overs. Dasun Shanaka top-scored with 29, while Namibia’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly.

5. USA vs Pakistan, 2024

The USA stunned Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup in their first appearance in the tournament. Pakistan scored 159/7, with Babar Azam making 44 and Shadab Khan scoring 40. Nosthush Kenjige took 3/30 for the USA.

The USA matched the total with 159/3, led by Monank Patel’s 50 off 38 balls. The match went into a Super Over, where the USA scored 18 runs. Pakistan could manage only 13, handing the USA a famous five-run win.

There has been much debate about Trent Boult’s absence from New Zealand’s roster for the T20 World Cup 2026, which was sparked by the lack of any new developments in terms of his retirement from playing international cricket as of June 2024. As such, when Boult announced his retirement, it meant he was no longer eligible to be considered for selection; therefore, there was no way he could participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 even though he had extensive international cricket experience and had demonstrated multiple times previously his ability to win matches in explosive and high-pressure environments.

Boult, who is now 34, chose to leave the international game and focus on other aspects of his life. Because of this, Boult did not come into contention when selectors were putting the final touches on New Zealand’s roster for the T20 World Cup 2026; thus, the Black Caps had to resort to filling out the bowling line-up from youth and/or recent addition selections to build an effective battery of fast bowlers in advance of the World Cup.

See Also: Watch: Arshdeep Singh celebrates fifer during IND vs NZ 5th T20I

Before his retirement in January 2021, Boult represented New Zealand in the T20 World Cup as part of their group stage campaign in a match against Papua New Guinea. Boult was removed from New Zealand’s central contract list in 2022 after requesting additional time to spend with his family and for permission to play in franchise tournaments around the globe. Subsequently, a new contract was negotiated to reflect that Boult would be stepping back from full-time international play.

Trent Boult continues to play in franchise cricket

In recent years, New Zealand has been unlucky in that they have not had Trent Boult available. He has been very successful in T20 franchises where he continues to play well and has performed great in all franchise teams from the Mumbai Indians to teams from other leagues around the globe. Boult's ability to adapt to different conditions and perform at a high level has demonstrated his continued level of quality, outside of an international level, and this makes his absence from the New Zealand side even more significant.

Boult is also considered one of the more dangerous bowlers in T20 cricket and consistently strikes early during the powerplay and executes the delivery at the death of the innings when no runs are scored and helps win matches as happened with them many times. Boult has played some of the world's more prestigious leagues including the IPL, MLC, SA20 and recently The Hundred. While New Zealand has formed a very solid pace attack to take his place; because of Boult's experience and tactical knowledge, he would have added so much more value to the New Zealand bowling attack.

India are set to face New Zealand in the final match of the five-match T20I series in Thiruvananthapuram, and team management are considering three key changes to their playing XI ahead of the decider. With the series already won, this fixture presents an opportunity to adjust combinations and manage player workloads before the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

One potential change is the return of all-rounder Axar Patel, who missed earlier games due to a minor injury and could rejoin the side to strengthen both batting depth and spin options. India may also look to rest some frontline players to balance fitness concerns, particularly with a hectic international calendar approaching. This tactical rotation could include resting senior quicks or all-rounders to give emerging talents a chance.

Another area of focus is the batting order, where the return of dynamic batters could add firepower in the middle overs. The final T20I is likely to feature a mix of experienced campaigners and promising youngsters as India fine-tune their setup and assess bench strength. These changes reflect a strategic approach to maintain momentum and experiment with combinations ahead of major tournaments.

See Also: Watch: Pakistan reaches out to USA to complain on BCCI power in cricket ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

#1 Ishan Kishan for Jasprit Bumrah

Initial reports had indicated that Jasprit Bumrah would feature in the first, third and fifth T20Is against New Zealand, but the pacer eventually played the fourth match instead. With that in mind, India could consider resting Bumrah for Saturday’s game to manage his workload. The team may also look to tweak their combination if the fast bowler is given a break.

Should Bumrah be rested, India are expected to strengthen their batting depth by adding an extra batter. In the previous match, Harshit Rana batted at No. 7, but including Ishan Kishan would provide more stability and firepower. The team management has hinted at Kishan’s inclusion, confirming that he has recovered from the niggle that ruled him out of the fourth T20I.

#2 Varun Chakaravarthy for Ravi Bishnoi

Varun Chakaravarthy has sat out the last two T20Is and is likely to make his return in the series finale. To accommodate him, Ravi Bishnoi appears the most likely player to be rested, especially since he is not part of India’s T20 World Cup squad. This change would allow the team to focus on players central to their plans for upcoming major tournaments.

Bishnoi had been included as a backup option in case Washington Sundar was unavailable, but Sundar is expected to regain full fitness ahead of the ICC event. As a result, prioritising Bishnoi’s game time is less important at this stage. Instead, the team management may look to ensure Varun Chakaravarthy regains rhythm and sharpness across different bowling phases before the tournament.

#3 Axar Patel for Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya neither bowled nor made a significant impact with the bat in the previous match, which strengthens the case for resting him in the fifth T20I against New Zealand. Having featured in all four games so far, the all-rounder has been consistently involved, even if he hasn’t gone all out in the field. With his fitness needing careful management, a break could be beneficial ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Axar Patel appears to have fully recovered from the finger injury he picked up in the series opener and is well placed to step in. His inclusion would allow India to manage Hardik’s workload while maintaining balance in both batting and bowling departments.

The top two teams secured their spots for the playoffs, while Mumbai Indians are still mathematically alive in the Women’s Premier League 2026 playoff race, but their fate depends heavily on other results—particularly the outcome of the Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz clash. Despite their recent defeat to Gujarat Giants, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side can still sneak into the Eliminator if scenarios align in their favor. 

Current Standings 

Mumbai Indians – 6 points, NRR: +0.059

Delhi Capitals – 6 points, NRR: -0.164

UP Warriorz – 6 points, NRR: -1.146

Qualification Scenarios

 1: Dependence on DC vs UPW Result

If UP Warriorz beat Delhi Capitals then Mumbai Indians will remain in the top three and qualify for the Eliminator. 

If Delhi Capitals beat UP Warriorz by a slightly big margin then MI will be eliminated.

2: Net Run Rate Factor

MI’s qualification is not just about points but also net run rate (NRR). 

If UP Warriorz beat Delhi Capitals then all three teams could still finish with 6 points.

In that case, Mumbai Indians superior net run rate (0.059 vs Delhi’s lower NRR) would give them the edge to qualify for the Eliminator.

The margin of Delhi’s win matters — a big win could push their NRR above MI’s, eliminating Mumbai, but a narrow win keeps MI’s chances alive.

 See Also: Top 5 players to watch out for ahead of T20 world cup 2026

https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/top-5-players-to-watch-out-for-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-2026/

Practically, UP Warriorz’s qualification is extremely unlikely. To surpass Mumbai Indians net run rate, they not only need to beat Delhi Capitals but must do so by an improbable margin of around 156 runs — a feat that has never been achieved in WPL history.

Conclusion

The Mumbai Indians had a chance to qualify directly without relying on any other team, but they fumbled in a crucial game against Gujarat Giants (GG). MI lost that match, and GG won their first-ever game against MI in WPL history, leaving Mumbai to depend on other teams results.

This dramatic finish underscores the fine margins in WPL 2026 and highlights how crucial every match, every run, and every over can be in shaping playoff hopes.

So, the path to Mumbai’s qualification is simple, hope UP Warriorz beats Delhi.

As the reigning champions of the previous World Cup, expectations are sky high for Team India as they gear up for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup scheduled to start on 7 February and be held across Sri Lanka and India. The fact that the tournament will be played on home soil puts additional pressure on India's team. India has a balanced squad that includes plenty of options for batting, bowling, and all-around capabilities, however, who will open for India is one of the ongoing discussions among fans and the media. The role of the openers is very important to set the tone during the Powerplay in the T20 format; so there is a tough choice for team management to find the best pair from so many candidates with varying skill sets to consistently get off to a fast start and continue to score aggressively during the tournament.

Abhishek Sharma’s Rise as a First-Choice Opener

With his explosive batting and fearless style, Abhishek Sharma has all but locked up a slot on the Indian team's top of the order. Abhishek’s ability to clear the ropes with ease during the first six overs of an innings and handle pace and spin comfortably gives the Indian side a very versatile weapon to apply pressure to opposing attacks from ball one. On the slower, flatter pitches often found in the subcontinent, where early runs can be pivotal to the ultimate outcome of a match, Abhishek’s aggressiveness is perfectly suited to affect that outcome. While his role is known, the next frontier for the selection panel is to identify a partner who can complement Abhishek’s attacking instincts and help create balance to the top of the order.

See Also: 3 greatest T20 World Cup finals of all time

Samson vs Kishan: The Opening Partner Debate

Sanju Samson appears to be the frontrunner to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, thanks to his recent performances and versatility. Samson has shown the ability to anchor an innings when required while still maintaining an attacking approach. However, consistency has often been his biggest challenge. Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, offers raw power and left-handed variety, which could trouble opposition bowlers early on. Kishan’s aggressive nature suits Powerplay batting, but his inclusion could affect team balance depending on wicketkeeping combinations. Both players bring unique strengths, making the decision a tactical one rather than a straightforward choice.

Striking the Right Balance for a Title Defence

The Indian team's management must make sure to not only show aggression but also discipline before they select their opening pair. An explosive partnership will score fast runs and also relieve pressure on the middle order. Choosing between Samson and Kishan may depend on the pitch condition, the type of bowler in the opposing team, and game situations. Having options will give India the adaptability to be flexible with who is chosen depending on the venue and game plan. There are expected to be many high-pressure knockout matches for which consistency at the top of the order will be a significant contributor to maintain momentum as the tournament progresses.

India's batting line-up at the top of the order may well dictate how they will perform as they attempt to defend their T20 World Cup title. A strong start from the top will lead to the freedom for players such as Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh to play their game in the middle and back end of an innings. As the tournament gets closer, much will be observed regarding India's development of their batting line-up's most critical issue. The correct combination of aggression, stability and adaptability at the top of the order may be all that separates the team from another monumental achievement or further disappointment.

The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with 20 teams battling for the ultimate prize. From February 7 to March 8, there are going to be 55 incredibly intense matches before a champion is crowned in the tournament. India has a fantastic history in this tournament; they were crowned the champions of this event twice (once in 2007 when the tournament began and then again in 2024) demonstrating that they are the top team of T20 cricket.

The T20 World Cups have produced several amazing moments throughout its many tournaments and some of the greatest finishes in sports history. England and West Indies have also won the T20 World Cup Championship two times; Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have all won the championship one time each. With the upcoming 10th T20 World Cup being played, now is a great time to look back on three of the best finals that have helped to create the legacy of this global tournament since its first tournament.

See Also: Irish legend Paul Striling breaks Rohit Sharma's T20I record

Here are the top 3 greatest T20 World Cup finals of all time

3. India vs South Africa, 2024

India and South Africa faced off in a thrilling final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, with both sides fully deserving of a shot at the title. After winning the toss at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Rohit Sharma chose to bat first on a challenging surface. India found themselves in early trouble at 34/3, but Virat Kohli’s composed 76 off 59 balls steadied the innings. His knock helped India recover strongly and post a competitive total of 176/7 from their 20 overs.

South Africa’s chase began shakily with the loss of two early wickets, yet they stayed in the contest through crucial contributions from Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, and Heinrich Klaasen. Their efforts brought the target down to 30 runs needed from the final five overs. However, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah delivered under pressure at the death. In the final over, Pandya defended 16 runs, with Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning long-off catch sealing a dramatic seven-run victory for India.

2. India vs Pakistan, 2007

India and Pakistan had already produced a classic encounter earlier in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where MS Dhoni’s side edged past their arch-rivals in a dramatic bowl-out. Fate brought the two teams together once again in the final at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Batting first, India posted a competitive 157/5, built around a superb 75 off 54 balls from Gautam Gambhir. Rohit Sharma’s composed 30 towards the end ensured India crossed the 150-run mark on the big occasion.

Pakistan’s chase stayed alive despite early pressure, with Irfan Pathan’s incisive bowling setting the tone for India. Misbah-ul-Haq held the innings together and brought Pakistan close, leaving 13 runs to defend in the final over. Joginder Sharma, entrusted with the task, held his nerve despite early drama. After conceding a six, he induced a mistimed ramp from Misbah, which Sreesanth safely caught, sealing a memorable five-run win and India’s first T20 World Cup title.

1. West Indies vs England, 2016

The 2016 T20 World Cup final remains one of the most thrilling matches the game has ever witnessed, thanks to its unforgettable finish. Played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the West Indies won the toss and chose to field first. England posted a fighting total of 155/9 in their 20 overs, anchored by a fluent half-century from Joe Root. On a slow surface that made stroke-making difficult, England’s batters had to work hard to put up a competitive score.

During the chase, Marlon Samuels provided stability as wickets fell around him, holding the innings together under pressure. The equation came down to a dramatic final over, with 19 runs needed from six balls. Carlos Brathwaite, facing Ben Stokes, produced a moment for the ages by smashing four consecutive sixes to seal a stunning victory. The triumph made West Indies the first team to win the T20 World Cup twice, with Samuels finishing unbeaten on 85 and earning Player of the Match honors.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to get underway on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka hosting the much-awaited 20-over spectacle. The tournament promises thrilling contests, explosive batting, and intense battles between the world’s best teams. With top players in peak form and high expectations surrounding every fixture, fans can look forward to non-stop action and unforgettable moments across iconic venues in the subcontinent.

While trophies and points matter, World Cups are often remembered for the rivalries that ignite passion and drama. These clashes go beyond numbers, shaping narratives and defining momentum throughout the tournament. Historic matchups bring added pressure, emotion, and excitement, making them must-watch encounters. In this article, we take a closer look at five of the fiercest rivalries, fueled by history and pride, that are set to headline the T20 World Cup 2026.

See Also: 5 legendary players who might play their final T20 World Cup in 2026 ft. Glenn Maxwell

Here are the 5 best rivalries to watch in T20 World Cup 2026;

 As teams enter the final phase of preparation, Here’s a look at the players most likely to shape the narrative of this global spectacle.

1.  Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma is currently the no.1 batsmen in t20, he has emerged as one of the most explosive openers in T20 cricket. His ability to dominate the powerplay while maintaining a fearless strike rate makes him a crucial asset for India. He has already made a significant impact in his short T20I career. In just 37 matches, he has registered two centuries and eight half-centuries with an average strike rate of 194.93. Apart from his explosive batting, Abhishek has also shown his value as a handy bowling option, capable of delivering one or two overs when needed, with six wickets for India so far.

2.   Varun Chakravarthy

     He is currently the no.1 bowler in t20, He is one of India’s premier mystery spinners heading into the T20 World Cup 2026, with 58 wickets in 35 T20Is at a remarkable average of 15.34 and best figures of 5/17. His arsenal of leg-breaks, googlies, and carrom balls has already produced two five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul so far. If used smartly, Chakravarthy has the potential to tilt matches in India’s favour and emerge as a key wicket-taking option during the World Cup.

3.   Sikandar Raza

     He is currently the no.1 all-rounder in t20, He is one of the most underrated match-winners in modern T20 cricket, especially in subcontinental conditions. He is Zimbabwe’s heartbeat as he is capable of anchoring innings or accelerating with big hitting, while also breaking partnerships with his off-spin. With over 1,600 runs and 50+ wickets in T20Is, he has proven himself as a genuine match-winner against top sides. At 39, the 2026 edition will most likely be his final T20 World Cup, making it a fitting stage for him to showcase his experience, leadership, and big-match temperament one last time. 

4.   Philip Salt

  Currently England’s best T20 batter, Phil Salt has been in exceptional form at the international level and is ranked second in the ICC T20I batting rankings. In just 50 matches, he has hammered 4 centuries and maintained a staggering strike rate of 168.13. With momentum and confidence on his side he enters the 2026 T20 World Cup as one of the most dangerous players in world cricket.

5.   Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan remains one of the most influential players in T20 cricket, especially in subcontinental conditions where spin often dictates the game. He is the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, a record that underlines his longevity, consistency, and impact in the format. No bowler in the history of T20 cricket has taken more wickets than him. While Rashid Khan is renowned for his lethal leg-spin and match-winning bowling spells, he has also proven himself as a valuable contributor with the bat. His proven track record makes him one of the most dependable match-winners heading into the T20 World Cup 2026.