Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said that middle-order batter Tim David holds the key to Australia’s chances in the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup as well. However, Australia are part of Group B, alongside Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman, and David has been in great T20I form over the past two seasons as well.

Talking about the importance of Tim David on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “They are using him at No.4. He is someone with elite power and murders spin. In my opinion, David at No.4 will determine Australia’s fate. Australia will go as far as he takes them. They have plenty of problems with Josh Hazlewood’s late arrival and Pat Cummins’ injury. These things will set Australia back. Adam Zampa’s wicket-taking will be crucial as he bowls brilliantly to right-handers and left-handers.”

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“Nathan Ellis has also been very economical, which will be a gift for CSK fans to hear. Marsh’s batting at the top and his captaincy will also dictate Australia’s fortunes. Cameron Green’s middle-order anchoring will be critical. He averages 40+,” further added Ashwin.

Ravichandran Ashwin also said that back-up spin-bowling is Australia’s biggest weakness heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup. He also believes Australia lacks wicket-taking options in the current team if veteran spinner Adam Zampa does not do well.

“They don’t have great backup spin-bowling options. They rely on Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly. Between these two, only one of them will play. Their all-rounders are all expensive though. Cameron Green gods at more than 10 per over and Maxwell is close to 10. If Zampa doesn’t get wickets and the opposition play him out, where will Australia go for wickets? They don’t have much might in their bowling. It remains to be seen how much Australia exploits Ben Dwarshuis’ skillset of swinging it both ways,” R Ashwin concluded.