India is staring at a rare opportunity to rewrite T20 World Cup history when they host the 2026 edition, walking in as clear favourites and defending champions. The tournament presents multiple firsts that no team has achieved so far — winning a T20 World Cup at home, successfully defending the title, or lifting the trophy more than twice.

With momentum, depth, and home conditions on their side, Suryakumar Yadav’s India appear well-placed to challenge those long-standing records. India’s dominance in the shortest format has been hard to ignore over the past two years. Their unbeaten title run at the 2024 T20 World Cup underlined the team’s evolution into a fearless, well-balanced unit capable of adapting to different situations.

A strong batting core, multiple bowling options, and an aggressive mindset have consistently set them apart, prompting several experts to label India as the strongest side heading into the 2026 showpiece.

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Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter and respected commentator Ian Smith believes India’s familiarity with home conditions gives them a genuine edge. However, he also sounded a note of caution, stressing that T20 cricket remains unpredictable and fiercely competitive.

“India have got a good chance to defend because they’re playing at home, so that gives them an advantage. They know the conditions very well,” Ian Smith told PTI. “But I think it’s a very even competition this time around. Anyone of about five teams could win it. That’s the nature of T20 cricket.”

Smith identified Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand as the other serious contenders capable of challenging India’s dominance. Australia’s pedigree in ICC tournaments makes them a perennial threat, while England, under Brendon McCullum’s influence, will be eager to revive their white-ball credentials.

South Africa, fresh off a major ICC triumph, carry renewed confidence, and New Zealand remain a dangerous outfit, particularly in Indian conditions where they have historically punched above their weight. India are currently fine-tuning their combinations in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, holding a 2-0 lead after two commanding batting displays.

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The series is proving valuable as the team experiments with roles and settles on its strongest XI. Placed in Group A alongside USA, Netherlands, Namibia, and Pakistan, India will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium. With history beckoning, expectations couldn’t be higher for the hosts.