T20 World Cup 2026: Ricky Ponting’s ultimate prediction for both leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament
In a huge show of support ahead of the tournament, the legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting has the name opener Abhishek Sharma as his choice to be both the leading points scorer and the Player of the Tournament. Ponting, who was Abhishek’s first IPL coach in Delhi, revealed that years ago he ‘begged’ the franchise not to trade the youngster after recognizing his superstar potential from his very first ball. The ICC Hall of Famer believes that Abhishek’s ‘lack of experience’ at major ICC events is a secret weapon, allowing him to play without mental baggage or fear.
“He’s a star. I think it (lack of experience) is a very positive thing to be honest. He can be the leading run-scorer and possibly the Player of the Tournament. That’s how good I think he is. And if he does that, it makes India even harder to beat. If he doesn’t, they’re as vulnerable as anyone else. So that’s how important I think he is for this (T20) World Cup for India.” Ponting was quoted by the ICC.
After a sensational series against New Zealand, where he struck with an astonishing average of 45.50 and a strike rate of 249.31, Abhishek is seen by Ponting as the ‘X-factor’ that will make India almost impossible to beat as they find their rhythm early in the group stages.
“I was his first IPL coach. He made his debut with me, I think as a 17-year-old in Delhi and made an immediate impact. I think he hit his first ball over the bowler’s head for four or six times in a row with that classic kind of straight bat and held the pose. And you could just tell then as a 17-year-old that there was something extra special. Ultimately we traded him away from Delhi, but I begged and begged and begged and said please don’t do this. We have to get him keep it up, there’s an absolute superstar in the making here. And that’s what it’s become. Ponting completed.
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India’s T20 World Cup title defense under Suryakumar Kumar
Led by Suryakumar Yadavthe Men in Blue enter the 2026 edition as defending champions and as the top-ranked T20I side in the world. India have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands and the United States, with their opening match against the Americans at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7.
The team has incredible depth, with a mix of seasoned veterans jasprit bumrah And Hardik Pandya alongside explosive ‘Gen-Next’ stars who have dominated the home series leading up to the Cup. With the tournament being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, home advantage and familiarity with subcontinental circuits make India the overwhelming favorites to become the first team to win consecutive Men’s T20 World Cup titles.
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