The 2026 T20 World Cup is underway, and every former cricketer and pundist havd shared their respective predictions on the winners, semi-finalists, highest run scorer, leading wicket-taker, and Player of the Tournament. Former South Africa pacer Wayne Parnell has been the latest addition to give his prediction on the following.
In an exclusive chat with CricTracker, Wayne Parnell was asked to share his views on the above-mentioned prediction list. He gave some shocking predictions. After being asked about the highest run scorer of the tournament. Parnell believes that Suryakumar Yadav will be the one scoring the most runs. Parnell said, “Yeah, most runs. Most runs, I’m gonna go with Sky (Suryakumar Yadav).”
Wayne Parnell gives his predictions for the World Cup
While he was asked about the leading wicket-taker, he mentioned two shocking names, West Indies pacer Romario Shepherd and Varun Chakravarthy. Wayne Parnell said, “For Most wickets, I’m gonna go with someone that’s involved in the game a lot, bowling in all phases. I feel like someone like Romario Shepherd from the West Indies might be one of them, but I think the leading wicket taker will be Varun Chakravarthy.”
Wayne Parnell also named his Player of the Tournament, as the former Proteas speedster once again believes Suryakumar Yadav can be the MVP of the tournament. He said, “I feel like Sky is gonna have a big impact. Obviously, the captain of India, playing at home as well, so I’m backing Sky.”
Suryakumar Yadav had a brilliant start to the tournament, as he displayed his experience in the very first match of the Men in Blue against the USA last Sunday, at the Wankhede Stadium. He played an unbeaten knock of 84 runs off 49 deliveries, where the other batters were struggling to score runs, and India had a collapse with 77/6.
Wayne Parnell picks four semi-finalists
Wayne Parnell selected his four semifinalists, he said, “Obviously, I’ve mentioned the top four. India will be one. South Africa will be one. England will be one. And the fourth one, New Zealand always play well in the ICC tournament, so New Zealand will be the fourth one.”
Here’s the video
Wayne Parnell, when asked about the winner of the competition, believes co-hosts India will defend their trophy and South Africa will once again be the finalist. He said, “I think the final is gonna be between India and South Africa. I’m obviously hoping that South Africa wins it, but I feel like India at home is gonna be very, very tough to beat.”
India favourites to win the World Cup?
India are favourites to win the T20 World Cup at home. They have been the side with all the firepower and everything covered, which is needed to win a championship. They have won 26 out of the last 31 matches they have played in a bilateral series. India is also on a 9 match winning streak since the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The Men in Blue will be facing Namibia in their upcoming fixture at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. Washington Sundar has been reported to join the side at Delhi ahead of the game on Thursday.
Also Read: Dig at Rohit Sharma? Gautam Gambhir hails Suryakumar Yadav as the best-ever leader
