The T20 World Cup 2026 has seen many Indian-origin players earn success at the biggest stage while featuring for the Associate Nations. The United States of America (USA) had nearly stunned the defending champions, India, in the opener at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while Pakistan, somehow, survived the curtain raiser against the Netherlands in Colombo.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has reflected on the same matter. In his Mann ki Baat address to the nation earlier on February 22, the PMO of India highlighted how the Indian origin players had been making a difference across the world.

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“Friends, I often say, ‘The one who plays, blooms’. Sports also unite us. These days, you must be watching the T20 World Cup matches. I am very sure that while watching the match, many times your eyes must have been fixed on a particular player. The jersey is that of some other country, but on hearing the name, you feel that the person is from our country. Then a slight joy arises in some corner of the heart.” India’s Prime Minister expressed.

PM Narendra Modi reflects on Indian origin players in T20 WC 2026

Modi discussed the Canadian team that fielded the maximum number of Indians in the 20-team event, which began on February 07. None of the Associate Nations qualified for the Super 8 stage, but they can surely give a fight to the opponents in future editions.

Watch the video here: 

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is underway and one of the things that makes us proud is the number of Indian-origin players playing the tournament. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/49ftsvzsm5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2026

“They step into the field wearing the jerseys of their respective countries and represent that country wholeheartedly. The moment gives you a slight happiness because the player is of Indian origin and is playing for the country where his family has settled.” India’s PM added.

“America’s team has many players who have emerged from Indian domestic cricket. American team captain Monank Patel has also played for Gujarat’s under-16 and under-18 teams. Saurabh from Mumbai, Harmeet Singh, and Milind Kumar from Delhi are all the pride of the American team. Countless such players of Indian origin are bringing pride to their respective countries.” Honorable Narendra Modi explained.