Former Australia cricketer Michael Klinger believes that the Suryakumar Yadav-led side would be extremely tough to beat in the T20 World Cup 2026 consedaring their performance in the recently concluded five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Notably, India defeated New Zealand 4-1 in the five-match T20I series during their last assignment before the mega event.
Michael Klinger on India's chances of defending T20 World Cup title
Defending champions India will start their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the United States on February 7 at iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Klinger, who is currently working as Gujarat Giants head coach in the Women's Premier League (WPL), lauds India's destructive opener Abhishek Sharma, labelling him the new favourite player.
“With the form they’re in and what I saw recently against New Zealand, India are going to be extremely difficult to beat. A team will probably have to catch them on a bad night in a final to beat them,” Klinger told PTI Videos in an interaction. Klinger said Abhishek Sharma’s rise has been a standout feature of India’s new template at the top.
“Abhishek Sharma is probably my new favourite player. I’ve been watching him for a while now. Opening with Travis Head in the IPL and now doing it at international level, he’s fearless and amazing to watch,” said Klinger, who played three T20s for Australia besides appearing in 182 first-class games.
India’s fearless approach was displayed by Abhishek and Kishan, who consistently put New Zealand bowlers under pressure.
“Ishan Kishan has come back in fantastic form and is certainly putting a case forward to start in the XI at the World Cup,” he said, adding that India’s depth has turned selection into a challenge rather than a concern.
Michael Klinger's warning for India
The former Australian cricketer also cautioned India about Australia and South Africa. Notably, South Africa were the finalists of the last edition of the marquee event where Rohit Sharma-led side defeated them in a nail-biter to clinch the title.
“Australia and South Africa are strong teams. South Africa, coming off a lot of T20 cricket recently, will be dangerous as well,” he said.