Dravid Declares India “Outright Favorites” For T20 World Cup, But Issues A 19/11 Warning

BENGALURU — As India prepares to host the 2026 T20 World Cup starting February 7, former head coach Rahul Dravid has labeled the Men in Blue as the team to beat. Speaking at the launch of the book ‘The Rise of the Hitman’ by R. Kaushik, Dravid reflected on India’s evolution and the “fearless” culture that led to their 2024 triumph.

However, the “Wall” of Indian cricket also offered a sobering reality check, drawing from the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

1. A Winning Streak Three Years in the Making

India enters the home World Cup with a historical momentum that few teams have ever matched:

• Series Dominance: India has not lost a T20I series since August 2023.
• Success Rate: The team boasts a staggering 80% win rate over the last three years—a feat Dravid called “amazing” given the volatile nature of the T20 format.
• The New Era: Dravid noted that the brand of cricket under captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir has pushed the “evolution” started during his own tenure to unprecedented heights.

2. The “Bitter Disappointment” of One Bad Day

Despite the favorites tag, Dravid’s primary message was one of caution, citing the “ghosts” of November 19, 2023 (the ODI World Cup final loss to Australia).

• The Warning: “They clearly start as favorites… but as I have learned to my bitter disappointment, it’s about the better team on the day,” Dravid remarked.
• The Risk: He reminded the current squad that in a knockout format, a single brilliant individual performance from the opposition can “undo everything,” regardless of a spotless league-stage campaign.

3. The “Hitman” Legacy: Rohit’s Selfless Shift

Dravid took a moment to credit Rohit Sharma for the current team’s aggressive identity. He revealed that the “revolution” began after the humiliating 10-wicket loss to England in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

• Leading by Example: “Rohit took the lead immediately. He took responsibility for setting the tempo himself, even if it came at the cost of his average,” Dravid said.
• The Transition: Dravid praised Rohit for maintaining his character through leadership, stating that the team never felt he changed as a person despite the immense pressure.

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