Watch: Legendary Australian cricketer predicts Team India star as T20 World Cup 2026 MVP, overlooking Jasprit Bumrah

Australia legend Brett Lee has predicted that Team India star Suryakumar Yadav could be the Most Valuable Player at the T20 World Cup 2026. Suryakumar is set to lead India at the big tournament, where the team will aim to defend their title.

The right-handed batter showed excellent form in the recent T20I series against New Zealand. He not only guided India to a 4–1 series win as captain, but also performed strongly with the bat. Suryakumar scored 242 runs in five matches, with an average of 80.66 and a strike rate of 196.74. He also hit three half-centuries during the series.

After struggling with form in T20Is for most of 2025, Suryakumar’s return to form ahead of the World Cup is a big boost for Team India. Brett Lee shared this prediction during his appearance on the Mr Cricket UAE podcast.

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Brett Lee Backs Varun Chakaravarthy and Picks T20 World Cup 2026 Favourites

Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has also predicted that Team India mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy will finish as the highest wicket-taker at the T20 World Cup 2026. He praised Varun’s current form and said the pitch conditions would suit his bowling style. Lee said Varun’s ability to confuse batters could make this tournament special for him and called it “his World Cup.”

Varun had an excellent year in 2025, taking 36 wickets in 20 T20I matches. He also has a strong record in home conditions, where he has picked up 33 wickets in 15 matches. His average of 13.06 and economy rate of 7.65 show how effective he has been.

Brett Lee Predicts T20 World Cup Winner and Top Teams

Brett Lee was also asked to name the winner of the T20 World Cup 2026. He said the title would likely be won by either India or Australia. When asked to choose one team, he picked Australia, saying it was a decision from the heart.

India are the defending champions and have won the T20 World Cup twice, in 2007 and 2024. Australia won the tournament once, in 2021. According to Brett Lee, the four teams most likely to reach the semi-finals are India, Australia, England, and New Zealand. He also said New Zealand could be the dark horse of the tournament.