The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested global events in recent memory, with several powerhouses entering the tournament as genuine title contenders. With the shortest format continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, teams are stacked with fearless batters, multi-dimensional all-rounders and specialist bowlers capable of turning games in a matter of overs. As a result, fans across the world are bracing for a competition full of thrillers, fine margins and iconic moments, much like the previous edition.
Amid growing excitement, former Zimbabwe cricketer and respected commentator Pommie Mbangwa has already thrown his weight behind a clear favourite, backing world champions to repeat their title winning glory.
Pommie Mbangwa picks the winner of T20 World Cup 2026
Speaking on former South Africa captain AB de Villiers‘ YouTube channel, Mbangwa admitted he was strongly inclined towards India when asked to pick a potential winner for the 2026 edition. According to him, India’s strength lies in their depth across all departments, making them a formidable unit in pressure situations.
“I’m tempted to say India. They’re just too strong in all the plays,” Mbangwa said, highlighting how India tick all the boxes in modern T20 cricket.
He pointed to the recent form of Suryakumar Yadav, popularly known as SKY, who has regained his touch, and also praised the explosive rise of Abhishek Sharma, noting how the young opener ‘can’t stop scoring’ and is ‘smashing them’ consistently at the top.
“I mean, I saw Sky (Suryakumar Yadav) got some runs recently. I see Abhishek can’t stop scoring them. He’s smashing them,” added Mbangwa.
Mbangwa further underlined India’s bowling firepower, naming Jasprit Bumrah as a game-changer with the ball and mentioning mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy as another X-factor capable of dismantling batting line-ups on big occasions.
“They got Bumrah (Jasprit Bumrah). They got Chakravarthy (Varun Chakravarthy),” Mbangwa added further.
Also READ: Aakash Chopra outlines South Africa’s probable XI for T20 World Cup 2026
Why the world champions can repeat the history
India entering the 2026 tournament as defending champions only strengthens their case. The core that delivered the title in 2024 remains largely intact, while several players have matured further, adding experience and tactical awareness to their natural flair. Alongside Abhishek and Suryakumar, the presence of Sanju Samson offers stability and aggression in the middle order, while Hardik Pandya continues to be crucial with both bat and ball, especially in high-pressure knockout matches.
India’s balance is further enhanced by all-rounders like Axar Patel, whose control and finishing ability provide flexibility, and the option of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who can change the tempo of a game within a few overs. With Bumrah leading the pace attack and Varun providing mystery in the middle overs, India boast a bowling unit well-suited to different conditions.
Also READ: Jacques Kallis explains why South Africa have a real shot at winning T20 World Cup 2026
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