The former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has backed the Suryakumar Yadav-led India national cricket team to lift the T20 World Cup 2026 after their narrow 29-run win over the USA in their tournament opener at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, February 7.
Sourav Ganguly backs India as favorites for T20 World Cup 2026
The former Indian captain has called the defending champions the strongest team in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 and clear favorites to script history by defending the title next month.
Ganguly said that this Indian team has everything needed to win a World Cup. He also feels that as the T20 World Cup 2026 goes on, the Men in Blue will only improve and become even stronger, referring to the hiccups in their tournament opener against the USA in Mumbai.
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Sourav Ganguly was quoted as saying by ANI at an event in Delhi, “This is a very powerful and strong team with all the balances—bowling, batting, fielding…As the World Cup goes, they will get better… They are the favorites to win the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
Suryakumar Yadav is a champion T20 player: Sourav Ganguly on
Speaking about Suryakumar Yadav, Ganguly was full of praise for the India captain’s form and impact. The legendary batter feels Suryakumar is a top-class T20 player who understands the format very well and knows how to handle pressure, and that was perfectly seen against the USA.
Suryakumar (84*) played the captain’s knock and saved India from the embarrassment on Saturday. The legendary batter reckoned that the stylish batter’s leadership and form will play a huge role in India’s success in the tournament as they aim for the third title.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president further noted, “He came in this tournament after scoring a lot of runs…He is a champion T20 player.”
Sourav Ganguly shocked by Pakistan’s boycott decision
Sourav Ganguly has also expressed his surprise over Pakistan’s reported decision to boycott their high-profile match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The former Indian captain made it clear that he did not understand the reason behind such a move, especially when they are scheduled to play at a neutral venue.
He signed off by saying, “Backing out of a World Cup for what? They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised by Pakistan backing out… In a World Cup, every point is important.”
Read Also: Suryakumar Yadav’s innings vs USA compels Gautam Gambhir to acknowledge greatness
ICC officials meet PCB in Lahore to save India vs Pakistan clash
Meanwhile, a very important meeting is set to take place in Lahore on February 8 to resolve the issue behind Pakistan’s boycott of its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. Bangladesh will also join the talks along with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC to help break the deadlock.
The ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and senior official Mubashir Usmani are already in Pakistan and are all set to have discussions with the PCB to find a solution that keeps the tournament on track and avoids further controversy.
It is being said that Pakistan could change its stand and agree to play against India on February 15 after the high-profile meeting. The ICC is also keen to settle the matter as soon as possible, as the India vs Pakistan match is one of the biggest games of the World Cup.
