The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will begin on February 07 and run for almost one month, giving a massive excitement to the fans across the globe. The marquee event will be played by 20 sides this time, who are divided into four groups. This edition of the competition will be about the players and how they capture the attention.

With India hosting the tournament, there is anticipation of many sixes and boundaries from the players, who have expectations on their shoulders. The spinners will also have a key role to play in the event on the dry and spinning surfaces.

A look at the top 5 players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026

1.   Travis Head (Australia)

Australia’s aggressive left-handed opening batter of the shortest format, Travis Head, finished the previous season of the T20 World Cup as the third leading run-getter. The southpaw clubbed 255 runs in seven innings at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 158.33 with the help of two half-centuries at the best score of 76 runs.

Head, who has amassed an overall 1197 runs in 45 innings of the shortest format at an average of nearly 30 and a strike rate of 156.67 with the help of five half-centuries at the best score of 91, was in superb touch even during their previous Caribbean trip. He can use his Indian Premier League (IPL) experience to earn success in the T20 World Cup 2026.

2.   Hardik Pandya (India)

For India to do well, the eyes will always be on Hardik Pandya for the Indian side to get the best balance in the eleven. He can bat in the lower middle order of the innings, besides providing them with at least three overs in various parts of the innings. Last year, Hardik collected 144 runs in six innings of the T20 World Cup 2024 at a strike rate of 151.57 and picked up 11 wickets.

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Hardik recently became the first Indian player to celebrate the double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in the shortest format. In the home World Cup, the Baroda player’s presence will be key for India, putting the strongest playing eleven and defending their title.

3.   Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

The premier leg spinner and the Afghanistan T20I captain, Rashid Khan, was in superb touch during the previous season of the T20 World Cup. He collected 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 12.78 and a strike rate of 12.42 with an economy rate of just over six. He can use his variations and IPL experience to collect many wickets for the success of his team.

Rashid Khan is the leading wicket-taker in the shortest format. The 27-year-old has picked up 182 wickets in 108 innings at an average of under 14 and a strike rate of 13.52 with an economy rate of just 6.97, thanks to nine four-wicket and two five-wicket hauls at the best figures of 5/3.

4.   Abhishek Sharma (India)

Since the beginning of 2024, India’s left-handed batter, Abhishek Sharma, has been India’s leading run-getter in the shortest format. The southpaw has collected 1115 runs in 32 innings at an average of 35.96 and a strike rate of 188.02 with the help of six half-centuries and two centuries at the best score of 135 runs.

Abhishek is anticipated to open the batting with wicket-keeper batter, Sanju Samson, and he will have to take the responsibility for them getting aggressive starts with the bat inside the first six overs of the innings. He was also in superb touch during the Asia Cup 2025 with 314 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 200.

5.   Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s experienced left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was in decent form during the last T20 World Cup. However, he could pick only five wickets in four innings at an average of 21 and a strike rate of 14.40 with an economy rate of just over six, thanks to the bowling figures of 3/22.

Afridi has overall collected 126 wickets in 96 innings of the T20Is at an average of 21.26 and a strike rate of 16.5 with an economy rate of 7.71. In Sri Lanka’s condition, he will be a key member to pick up wickets with the new ball.

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Who are the top players to watch in the T20 World Cup 2026?

The T20 World Cup 2026 will feature match-winners like Travis Head, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Abhishek Sharma, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. These players bring a mix of power-hitting, all-round skills, and wicket-taking ability, making them key attractions of the tournament.

Why is Travis Head considered a dangerous T20 batter?

Travis Head is known for his explosive starts and high strike rate in the powerplay. His aggressive batting can shift momentum early, putting bowlers under pressure from the first over.

How important is Hardik Pandya for India in T20 World Cup 2026?

Hardik Pandya provides balance with his finishing skills and seam bowling. His experience in pressure situations makes him a crucial all-rounder for India’s World Cup campaign.

What makes Rashid Khan a game-changer in T20 cricket?

Rashid Khan’s leg-spin, control, and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs make him one of the most impactful bowlers in T20 cricket, especially on slower pitches.

Why is Abhishek Sharma a player to watch in the 2026 World Cup?

Abhishek Sharma’s fearless batting and ability to score quickly at the top make him a valuable asset in high-scoring T20 matches.

How can Shaheen Shah Afridi influence matches in T20 World Cup 2026?

Shaheen Afridi’s pace and swing with the new ball allow him to take early wickets, giving his team a strong advantage in crucial matches.