Ravi Shastri feels defending champions India have a strong chance to secure consecutive titles
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri feels defending champions India have a strong chance of becoming the first side to secure consecutive titles.
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Ravi Shastri names THIS team as his favourite ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, says...
Ravi Shastri names THIS team as his favourite ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, let's take a look at this photo coleection to find out about the team
By Sruti Thakur | Updated: January 29, 2026 11:40 AM IST
India holds the top spot in ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings
India have remained unbeaten in bilateral series and tournaments, sitting atop the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, India head into the tournament with a squad that features the world's top-ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma and No.1 T20I bowler Varun Chakaravarthy.
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Ravi Shastri calls defending Champions India, clear favourites
"I think the defending champions start as clear favourites," Shastri said. "Current form, match fitness, the amount of cricket they have played in recent times, makes them clear favourites. And especially when you look at that top order and the kind of form they're in."
Shastri believes the Indian selectors have found the ideal blend of youth and experience
Shastri believes the Indian selectors have found the ideal blend of youth and experience, putting the team in a strong position to challenge for another World Cup title, "There's less baggage on a lot of players. They're playing their first World Cup and it's an opportunity for them to express themselves," Shastri said.
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Ravi Shastri on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya's role
"There's Jasprit Bumrah, there's Hardik Pandya, who I think is in terrific form at the moment and the ability for him to contribute with bat and ball. Shivam Dube has come along nicely."
Ravi Shastri calls Tilak Varma a key batter at the top of the order
"India will be hoping for Tilak Varma to be fit because he is a terrific player. And again, being a left-hander, the top of the order will make a difference.
Ravi Shastri feels team India has a balanced squad to defend the title
"I think spin will play an integral part. And India has got enough ammunition in that spin department. There's Chakaravarthy, there's Axar Patel, there's Kuldeep Yadav. When you look at variety, players at the right positions and balance, India can defend this title."
India are set to start their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7
India are set to start their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7 against the USA. They are placed in Group A along with the USA, Pakistan, the Netherlands and Namibia.