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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes India are clear favourites to win the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, considering home conditions and the talent in their ranks. India warmed up in style for the showpiece event with a 4-1 thrashing of New Zealand in the recently concluded T20I series at home.
The defending champions will look to carry on the momentum when they begin their campaign against USA in the T20 World Cup 2026, which gets underway on February 07. While Ponting feels India will arguably be the favourites for the title, he has also backed Australia to make it to the semi-finals despite their 0-3 whitewash in the recently concluded T20I series against Pakistan.
Pakistan hammered Australia by 111 runs in the third and final T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday to clean sweep the series 3-0. Spinner Mohammad Nawaz bagged a fifer as Pakistan bundled out Australia for a paltry 96 in the 208-run chase in the 3rd T20I to secure a thumping win.
Australia's shambolic series defeat against Pakistan exposed their woes against spin in subcontinent conditions ahead of the T20 World Cup, which is set to be played in India and Sri Lanka. However, Ponting is confident the 2021 champions can reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
"If you look at the squad, I think they have as good a chance as anybody," Ponting said while speaking to the ICC.
"India probably start as the clear favourites because of the conditions, the talent and the group of players they have put together. They’ll be hard to beat. But I really do think we’ll see Australia there come semi-final time," he added.
Australia announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 last week, confirming Pat Cummins' ouster due to a back injury. While Cummins has been ruled out, Australia snubbed senior batter Steve Smith from the squad despite his recent heroics in the Big Bash League.
Ponting admitted injuries remain Australia's biggest problem ahead of the start of the T20 World Cup 2026. However, the legendary batter believes the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Cooper Connolly can step up to shoulder more responsibility in the team.
Senior pacer Josh Hazlewood is also expected to miss the early stages of the T20 World Cup and will join the rest of the Australian squad in India late, as he continues his rehab in Sydney for his Achilles issue.
