Former India cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid has sounded a timely warning ahead of the T20 World Cup, reminding everyone that reputation and form count for little if a team falters on the day that matters most. Drawing from painful personal experience, Dravid cited the 2023 ODI World Cup, where India went unbeaten through the tournament only to stumble in the final, as a stark reminder of cricket’s unforgiving nature.
Dravid knows what it means to lead India into global events as favourites. Under his watch, India produced strong campaigns at the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, yet both ended in heartbreak at the final hurdle.
Although India have since ended their title drought by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, Dravid believes complacency remains the biggest threat as the team prepares to defend its crown on home soil.
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“Irrespective of how strong the Indian team is, one bad day in the office can undo everything. They clearly start as favourites and they will make it to the semi-finals, but as I have learned to my bitter disappointment, it is about the better team on the day,” Rahul Dravid said at a recent event.
India will begin their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7. Placed in Group A alongside the USA, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands, the defending champions will be expected to cruise through the league stage. The tournament will run from February 7 to March 8, with matches spread across venues in India and Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, India’s current form has been equally eye-catching. After India chased down 154 in just 10 overs in Guwahati, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell was seen checking Suryakumar Yadav’s bat moments after the game. Suryakumar had smashed a breathtaking 26-ball 57, following it up after his 37-ball 82 in Raipur.
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Whether it was curiosity or admiration, the moment underlined Suryakumar’s impact. His form, much like Dravid’s cautionary words, could play a defining role in India’s bid to defend their T20 World Cup title.
