Anil Kumble drops Rohit-Kohli bomb that threatens to derail India’s T20 WC 2026 dream

Former India cricketer Anil Kumble believes that India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 is strong but not as strong as the team that won the previous edition. The former captain stated that the team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will miss the experience and presence of senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

India lifted the T20 World Cup in 2024, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC title. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, defeated South Africa in the final. Senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is. They played vital roles throughout the title-winning campaign.

They Will Miss Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - Anil Kumble

Speaking on the Out of the Park show, Anil Kumble was asked to compare India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad with the 2024 title-winning team. Kumble said he would place the 2024 team about 10 percent ahead and added that the current side will miss the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

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"If you talk about experience, they will miss Virat and Rohit, the two legends, but if you talk about balance, I feel this team is also good because you have bowling options and the batting is different in terms of approach at the top," Anil Kumble said.

"However, it's still going to be challenging. 2024, in terms of conditions, was very different. I would probably rate the 2024 team maybe 10 percent ahead of this team, but I still feel this team is very close to that," he added.

Suryakumar Yadav Will Be Very Crucial - Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble said that India would need a player to deliver in pressure situations at the T20 World Cup 2026, similar to the role played by Virat Kohli alongside Axar Patel in the 2024 final. He added that Suryakumar Yadav could help India win important moments during the tournament.

"Those are moments where you can't really take the experience away. That's where I feel that someone like a Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) will be very crucial. Yes, in terms of form, he will be crucial, but also ensuring those clutch moments are won by India," Kumble replied.

In the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Kohli scored 76 runs from 59 balls as India defeated South Africa by seven runs. After India were reduced to 34/3, Kohli rescued the team with a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Axar Patel, who contributed 47 runs from 31 deliveries.

Team India to Commence T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign on February 7

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The defending champions are placed in Group A along with Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States of America (USA).

India have multiple options at the top of the order, including Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan. The middle order features Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh.

The squad also offers strong all-round depth. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya provide balance with both bat and ball, particularly in the lower middle order.

India are likely to field a bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Depending on conditions, the team can include Kuldeep Yadav to add spin or Harshit Rana to strengthen the pace department.

Also read: Ishan Kishan FIRES SHOTS at Rohit Sharma for throwing him out of team