Former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted his four semifinalists for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. The cricketer-turned-commentator picked defending champions, India, alongside 2010 and 2021 winners England and Australia, respectively. He also included New Zealand as a surprise pick over 2024 T20 World Cup runners-up South Africa.
Vaughan’s post on X came even as India thrashed New Zealand by 4-1 in the recently concluded T20I series at home. While leaning towards the Men in Blue, he wrote on the micro-blogging website on Monday (February 2):
“My 4 T20 World Cup semi-finalists will be … India, England, NZ & Australia …”
Vaughan had previously chosen England, Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies for his final four predictions before the 2024 T20 World Cup. Only two of his predictions were correct as WI and Australia crashed out in the group stage of the tournament. India beat the Proteas by seven runs in the summit clash.
“Clear favorites” – Former Australia captain picks India as 2026 T20 World Cup contenders
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has picked India as the title contenders for the 2026 T20 World Cup. While calling them ‘clear favorites,’ the two-time ODI World Cup-winning skipper said (via the ICC):
“India probably start the clear favourites, I think, in this event due to conditions, the talent, and the group of players that they have put together.”
Ponting also backed Australia to reach the semifinal. He said in the same interaction:
“They’ll be (India) hard to beat, but I really do think we will see Australia there come semi-final time.”
Notably, India have not lost a bilateral T20I series following their 2024 T20 World Cup. They also beat Australia 2-1 Down Under in a five-match series last year. Under Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue also won the Asia Cup 2025. They will now look to continue their dominance by winning the 2026 T20 World Cup. Having won in the 2007 and 2024 editions of the tournament, they are chasing a record third title in the T20 event.
India will begin their campaign against the USA in the Group A fixture on February 7. Meanwhile, Australia will lock horns with Ireland in their opening group on February 11. They are placed alongside Sri Lanka, Oman, and Zimbabwe in Group B.
Click here for the full 2026 T20 World Cup schedule.
Edited by James Kuanal
