Sourav Ganguly Predicts India as Top Contender for 2026 T20 World Cup

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has declared India as the leading contender for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing the team's exceptional spin bowling as a crucial advantage. He highlighted Varun Chakravarthy's fitness and shared fond memories of his past experiences in South Africa. Ganguly also discussed his new role as head coach of the Pretoria Capitals, emphasizing the unique learning opportunities it presents. With a strong squad lined up, India aims to reclaim glory on the world stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 11, 2026, 01:52 IST

Ganguly's Confidence in India's Spin Attack

Paarl [South Africa], January 10: Sourav Ganguly, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has expressed his belief that India is the frontrunner for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. He attributes this confidence to the team's formidable spin bowling unit.

In discussing India's chances in this prestigious tournament, Ganguly emphasized the exceptional talent of the spinners, particularly noting the fitness of Varun Chakravarthy.

“I consider India to be the favorite because they possess the finest spinners globally. With Varun Chakravarthy in good shape, India stands out as the team to beat in this World Cup,” Ganguly stated during a press interaction.

Reflecting on his experiences in South Africa, he recalled, “This country holds great memories for us. I’ve participated in numerous matches here, including the 2003 World Cup final, where we performed admirably despite the loss.”

Ganguly also shared insights about his new role as head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league, saying, “This is my first experience as a head coach, and I’m truly enjoying it. While I have led many matches, this role presents a different learning curve.”

The squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup includes: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Rinku Singh.