Ravichandran Ashwin believes Ireland could produce the tournament’s most eye-catching campaign among the underdogs at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking on his show ‘Ash ki Baat’, the former India off-spinner praised Ireland’s balance and temperament while also pointing to the specific challenges they will face in subcontinental conditions.

Ashwin singled out Harry Tector as Ireland’s main batting figure, with Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher and George Dockrell also contributing crucial depth. He warned, however, that Ireland’s batting might struggle to consistently post the 180-plus totals that usually put teams in control in Asia.

“They’re the kind of side that will often get to 160–170 in these conditions,” he observed, adding that the side’s bowling will be under real scrutiny against big-hitting opponents. “For me, Barry McCarthy is the player to watch,” Ravichandran Ashwin added.

The 33-year-old left-arm seamer has the skillset to thrive with the new ball and can operate smartly in the Powerplay. Mark Adair’s all-round role — useful with both ball and bat — also gives Ireland tactical flexibility, and that duality could prove valuable in tight games.

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed particular concern about bowling depth, pointing to George Dockrell’s reduced role as a spinner in recent times. “Dockrell used to bowl a lot of left-arm spin; now he’s often deployed mainly as a finisher,” Ashwin said, suggesting that Ireland lack specialist bowling options suited to turning subcontinental surfaces. That shortfall, he warned, could limit Ireland’s ceiling in a group that includes Sri Lanka and Australia.

Turning his attention to Zimbabwe, Ravichandran Ashwin lauded captain Sikandar Raza’s influence, both as a match-winner and as a leader. He also highlighted young opening batter Brian Bennett as a name to remember, comparing Bennett’s intent to the aggressive style of New Zealand’s Finn Allen. “Bennett has that fearless intent,” Ravichandran Ashwin said, “and he could be a real discovery for viewers of this World Cup.”

Yet Ravichandran Ashwin cautioned that beyond Raza and fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, Zimbabwe’s squad lacks international exposure in franchise cricket. That gap, he argued, could blunt the team’s ability to handle pressure against top-tier opponents, despite flashes of individual brilliance.

Ireland and Zimbabwe are placed together in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Australia and Oman, with just two teams advancing to the Super Eight. Ashwin’s assessment frames Ireland as a dark horse with genuine tools to cause upsets, while also underlining the structural limitations that might prevent them from going all the way. He also noted that venue specifics will matter hugely: Sri Lanka’s turning tracks can expose seamers while India’s flat decks favour big totals, so Ireland must adapt per city.

Tactical nous — using McCarthy early, Adair in the middle overs and mixing seam/spin match-ups — could enable Ireland to punch above their weight. Ultimately, Ravichandran Ashwin expects one or two shock results but believes consistent depth will decide who advances from Group B. Fans should watch these teams.