The former England batter, Kevin Pietersen, has predicted that India would head into the home T20 World Cup 2026 as they are favored to defend their title, which they won in the previous edition against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Under Surya Kumar Yadav, India has yet to lose a T20I series since that moment.

Kevin Pietersen talked about how the biggest brands in the game will make sure that it continues to grow in the future, as cricket stands as the second biggest sport in his eyes. He also touched on how the growth of the game will be good for them, as in X player broadcasters walking on the game.

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“Big players joining hands together can only be good for the game of cricket. When you have one of the biggest brands in the world and the second biggest sport in the world, it’s fantastic. That means there will be more eyeballs on the game of cricket, and the game can grow globally, which, for us, as ex-players and the broadcasters, sees the game win.” Pietersen spoke in an interview.

Kevin Pietersen predicts India to win T20 World Cup 2026

India have started their last-minute preparation for the ongoing five-match home T20I series against New Zealand, where they claimed the first victory at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, having posted the massive score of 238 for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

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#WATCH | Mumbai: On India's chances in the T20 World Cup, former England Cricketer Kevin Pietersen says, "They are the favourites. In the shortest form that is T20 cricket in India, they are the favourites..." pic.twitter.com/fkNE6GKvqu

— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2026

“In the shortest format, and in India, they are favorites.” Pietersen's address on India’s chances in the World Cup as the home side will begin their campaign against the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai

“Dewald Brevis, for South Africa. He again played another incredible innings last night. A couple of days ago, I was calling the game in Johannesburg, where his team, the Pretoria Capitals, led by (Sourav) Ganguly, was struggling. They were 7/5 (against Joburg Super Kings), and Brevis went in and batted for 15 overs, and they got to a winning total of 140 or 150 (143/6).” The former batter revealed the player to watch out for.