The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, featuring a massive 20-team field battling across 55 matches. The tournament features a major shift in Group C as

Scotland makes a last-minute entry to replace Bangladesh, following the latter’s withdrawal due to venue-related disagreements with the ICC. As the defending champions, India, prepare to host the world, the inclusion of the world’s highest-ranked non-qualified side adds an unpredictable edge to the opening stages of the competition.

Brett Lee’s T20 World Cup 2026 forecast: MVP and Top wicket-taker

Australian fast-bowling legend Brett Lee has officially named Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav as his pick for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2026 edition. Speaking on the Mr. Cricket UAE podcast, Lee highlighted Suryakumar’s explosive return to form during the recent T20I series against New Zealand, where he amassed 242 runs at a strike rate of 196.75.

Lee noted that while the batter had a quieter 2025, his ability to dominate subcontinental conditions makes him the primary threat for any bowling attack. Additionally, Lee predicted that mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy will finish the tournament as the leading wicket-taker. He remarked that the pitches in India and Sri Lanka are perfectly prepared to suit Chakaravarthy’s style, stating that the tournament is “set for him” to bamboozle international batters and emerge as the standout bowler of the World Cup.

“His form coming into this, the wickets will be prepared that will suit him, the way that he can bamboozle the batters, I think this is set for him, this will be his World Cup,” Lee said in an appearance on Mr. Cricket UAE podcast.

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Lee’s champion prediction for T20 World Cup 2026

In terms of the tournament’s ultimate winner, Lee identified India, Australia, England and New Zealand as his four semifinalists, labeling the Black Caps as the perpetual ‘dark horse’ of the competition. While acknowledging that India enters the tournament as a powerhouse on home soil, Lee ultimately backed Mitchell Marsh’s Australia to lift the trophy.

Lee noted that the battle for the title would likely come down to a showdown between India and Australia, but admitted his ‘heart’ lies with the Aussies to secure another global title. With Australia placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka and Ireland, Lee believes their balance of power-hitting and experienced seamers will be enough to navigate the high-pressure knockout rounds and potentially silence the home crowds in the final.

“It’ll be one of two, India or Australia. Don’t hate me, Australia will win, that’s my heart,” Lee concluded.

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