India’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 appear solid on paper but former captain and head coach Anil Kumble believes there is a small but important difference between the current squad and the team that lifted the trophy in 2024. While he feels the 2026 group is well-balanced and talented, he says the earlier title-winning side had an advantage when it came to handling pressure.
India ended an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy by winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. The final against South Africa was a tense affair but experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja brought calm and stability at crucial moments. Soon after the victory, all the three announced their retirement from T20 internationals, bringing an era to a close in the shortest format of the game.
With their departure, Suryakumar Yadav stepped in as captain. Under his leadership, India has enjoyed an impressive run, staying unbeaten in T20 international series. The team has also adopted a more aggressive approach, especially at the top of the batting order, and has multiple bowling options that give it flexibility.
Despite this strong transition, Anil Kumble feels the absence of senior figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still leaves a gap, particularly when it comes to experience in high-pressure situations. Speaking on a show, he explained that while the current team is well-constructed, it inevitably misses the calm presence and big-match experience of two modern legends. At the same time, he acknowledged that the balance of the squad, especially in terms of bowling depth and batting approach, remains a big positive.
Anil Kumble pointed out that the conditions in the 2024 tournament were very different, which also influenced performances. Even so, he rated the 2024 team slightly ahead, estimating a small margin between the two sides. He stressed that success at the World Cups often comes down to players delivering in clutch moments.
Recalling the 2024 final, Anil Kumble highlighted how players like Virat Kohli and Axar Patel rose to the occasion under pressure. He believes similar moments will define India’s campaign in 2026. According to him, Suryakumar Yadav will play a key role not just through his form but by guiding the team through those decisive phases where experience and composure can make all the difference.
