T20 cricket has transformed beyond recognition since the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007, when a young MS Dhoni-led India stunned the world to lift the trophy. Back then, totals in the range of 160–170 were often enough to win matches. Fast forward to today, and even 250-plus targets no longer feel out of reach.
The modern game is built around fearless batting, deeper line-ups, and conditions that heavily favour stroke-makers. What was once considered extraordinary has now become routine, with 200-plus totals turning into the norm unless the pitch offers genuine assistance to bowlers.
The upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is expected to continue that trend, with batters likely to dominate headlines. And If Virender Sehwag is to be believed, defending champions India are well equipped to thrive in this high-scoring era. Speaking on Cricbuzz, the former India opener sounded bullish about the squad’s balance and recent form.
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“Our Indian team is very strong and is performing exceptionally well under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav. Recently, we defeated New Zealand 4–1,” Virender Sehwag said. “There are several young players along with some experienced ones. As they say, a combination of youth and experience delivers the best results.”
One of the players Sehwag highlighted was Abhishek Sharma, whose explosive starts at the top have given India a new dimension in T20 cricket. The former opener drew a clear parallel with his own role in the early days of the format. “I think the way Abhishek Sharma provides starts – scoring at a strike rate of 200 – gives India a solid platform, similar to the role I used to play,” Virender Sehwag said.
He also praised Ishan Kishan’s recent form and Varun Chakaravarthy’s control, underscoring that this side is not just about raw power but also about smart match-ups.
India’s depth, especially in the finishing department, is another major strength. Virender Sehwag feels players like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube can change games even if the top order misfires. “Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube can surprise opponents in the lower order whenever the openers fail and the responsibility shifts to the middle order,” he said.
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Interestingly, no team has ever won a T20 World Cup on home soil, but Sehwag believes this group has the quality to break that jinx, much like India did in the 2011 ODI World Cup. “In my opinion, this team is even better than the one that won the 2007 T20 World Cup. The combination is excellent,” he said, pointing to the strong mix of spinners, all-rounders, fast bowlers, and a formidable top order.
However, Sehwag also offered a timely piece of advice ahead of the tournament. “My message to the Indian team is to avoid all the noise – whether from the media or social media,” he said, urging the players to stay in their own space and focus purely on cricket.
As a 33-year-old cricket writer who has watched this format evolve from cautious hitting to all-out aggression, it’s hard to ignore one truth: India look built for this era. But in T20 cricket, talent alone is never enough. The real test, as always, will come when the knockouts begin and the pressure is at its peak.
