India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad looks strong and well-balanced, but former captain and coach Anil Kumble believes it lacks the marginal experience edge that helped the 2024 title winners over the line. As someone who’s watched these evolutions closely, the point is subtle but important: match-winning temperament at the death sometimes tips tight games.

India ended an 11-year ICC drought by winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 under Rohit Sharma. That campaign featured calming contributions from Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja when it mattered most — moments that defined the final against South Africa. Those three then retired from T20 internationals, creating a clear leadership and experience gap that needed to be addressed in the shortest format.

Suryakumar Yadav has since assumed the captaincy and overseen an impressive string of results; India remains a dominant, cohesive unit in T20Is. Yet Kumble argues that the absence of Rohit and Kohli — players who have repeatedly navigated the highest-pressure scenarios — still matters on the grandest stage. Speaking on Star Sports’ Out of the Park, he said the current squad is balanced and deep, but the 2024 group had an extra layer of big-match wisdom.

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“Experience counts,” Anil Kumble noted. “They will miss Virat and Rohit, the two legends. But balance-wise, this team is good — bowling options and a different batting approach at the top. I’d rate the 2024 side maybe 10 percent ahead, but this team is close.” That measured assessment neatly captures where India stand: elite, but slightly short of an almost-perfect template.

Kumble stressed what separates champions is often one or two individuals producing in clutch moments — think Kohli’s composure or Axar’s breakthrough spells last time.

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He is confident that Surya can be that player, given his form, temperament, and experience. For selectors and coaches, the task is clear: back the system, back players to play their natural game, and ensure someone steps up when the pressure is on. In short, Kumble’s verdict is a compliment with a caveat — India are title contenders, but repeating history will demand a few match-defining moments from the current crop of stars.