The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament, with India and Sri Lanka set to host the marquee event from February 7 to March 8. Among the teams expected to make a strong push for the title is Australia, a side stacked with power-hitters, proven match-winners, and seasoned campaigners. Placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman, the Australians will enter the competition as one of the favourites to progress deep into the tournament.
On paper, Australia’s provisional squad looks intimidating. Led by Mitchell Marsh, the team boasts explosive batting depth, all-round versatility, and a bowling attack capable of thriving in subcontinental conditions. With names like Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, and Adam Zampa, the squad appears well-balanced and experienced enough to handle pressure situations on the world stage.
However, despite the apparent strength, former India opener and noted analyst Aakash Chopra believes there is a critical concern that could derail Australia’s campaign.
Aakash Chopra highlights weakness of Australia squad ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
While assessing Australia’s prospects for the tournament, Chopra pointed out that injuries could prove to be the biggest stumbling block for the reigning T20 giants. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he underlined how a significant portion of the Australian core has struggled with fitness issues in recent times.
Chopra noted that fast bowlers Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have both endured injury setbacks, with Hazlewood missing extended action and Cummins featuring sparingly in the 2025–26 Ashes. The concerns don’t stop there. Cameron Green, Maxwell, and even skipper Marsh have all had their careers punctuated by injury layoffs.
“The biggest weakness I see is that too many players are injury-prone. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell are being spoken about. There are too many people. Marsh is himself so injury-prone,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
According to Chopra, the issue isn’t about talent or skill but availability. He stressed that Australia are “walking on eggshells,” as one untimely injury could upset team balance and planning. In a tournament as intense as the T20 World Cup, where momentum and continuity matter, frequent changes forced by injuries could be costly.
Chopra further explained that injuries are an uncontrollable factor, making this weakness even more concerning. Unlike form or tactics, fitness issues can strike without warning, leaving teams scrambling for replacements at crucial stages.
“They are walking on eggshells. They are just one injury away from getting everything wrong. So you can definitely call it one of this team’s weaknesses because no one can control injuries,” he observed.
Also READ: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood headline Australia’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026
High expectations from Mitchell Marsh-led Australia
Despite flagging this vulnerability, expectations remain sky-high from Marsh-led unit. Marsh’s leadership, combined with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, will be central to Australia’s campaign. The presence of dynamic players like Head, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, and Maxwell gives Australia the firepower to dominate any bowling attack on their day.
In the bowling department, the pace trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Nathan Ellis, supported by spin ace Zampa, offers variety and experience. Additionally, players like Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, and Cooper Connolly add flexibility to the playing XI, allowing Australia to adapt to different conditions in India and Sri Lanka.
Also READ: 4 Australian players who featured in T20 World Cup 2024 but won’t play in 2026 edition
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