Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Men in Blue enter opener as strong favourites, Ishan Kishan likely to feature in top order at Wankhede
India will begin their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign as overwhelming favourites when they take on the United States in the opening match at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. With Harshit Rana set to miss the opener due to a knee injury, the team management is focusing on finalising the ideal playing combination, especially at the top of the order.
The Men in Blue are aiming to create history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cup titles and the first nation to lift the trophy three times. Riding on strong recent form and dominant performances at home, India are expected to cruise through Group A, which also includes Namibia, the Netherlands and Pakistan.
Despite a few off-field distractions surrounding other teams, India remain focused on the task ahead. Winners of the 2007 and 2024 editions, the hosts enter the 10th edition of the tournament with a formidable squad and impressive momentum, having won nine consecutive T20I home series, including a 4-1 triumph over New Zealand just before the World Cup.
Although veterans Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja have retired, India’s revamped squad has delivered consistently. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan have impressed at the top, while Tilak Varma has added stability in the middle order. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav has also found form, scoring vital runs in recent matches.
With Harshit Rana unavailable and Washington Sundar also not match-ready, India may opt for Ishan Kishan as wicketkeeper, which could push Sanju Samson to the bench. Suryakumar Yadav has hinted that Kishan will bat in the top three, leaving the management to decide between opening combinations or reshuffling the middle order.
Despite the USA featuring several players of Indian origin and having caused upsets in the 2024 edition, India’s depth in batting and bowling makes them clear favourites. Familiar conditions at Wankhede further strengthen India’s chances of starting their title defence on a winning note.