JP Duminy names India favorites for 2026 T20 World Cup due to strong record, home advantage, and form.

Former South African cricketer JP Duminy named India a top contender, if not the favorite, for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing their strong ICC tournament record and home advantage in Ahmedabad. Speaking on the Mr Cricket UAE podcast, he highlighted India’s consistent performances in knockout events, recent form, and favorable evening pitch conditions that may favor chasing. Duminy suggested promoting Sanju Samson to No. 3 for his aggressive style and right-handed balance, though he noted the challenge of replacing Tilak Varma’s stabilizing role. He emphasized the need for clear role definitions between aggressive and anchoring batsmen. Duminy praised key players like Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen, predicting India and South Africa would reach the final, with England and Pakistan also likely in the semi-finals.