Aakash Chopra had named Australia’s probable playing XI for the 2026 T20 World Cup and said a final clash against India was a strong possibility given the team’s balance and firepower.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has named Australia’s probable playing XI for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup and believes the defending champions could lock horns with India in the final of the marquee tournament. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Australia have been placed in Group B for the group stage and are expected to feature in India’s group during the Super Eight stage, provided both teams qualify. This structure rules out a semi-final meeting between the two sides and keeps the door open for a blockbuster final.
“If everyone remains fit, the XI could be Mitchell Marsh, the captain, Travis Head, then Josh Inglis, and after that, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David. It is a wow batting lineup. Then Pat Cummins at No. 8,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
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Chopra further explained his bowling choices, stressing the importance of death-over specialists in T20 cricket.
“You can play three proper bowlers at Nos. 9 to 11, where I will think about Nathan Ellis/Matthew Kuhnemann, although my vote will probably go towards Nathan Ellis because bowling is required in death overs, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa. There is a possibility that it could be an India-Australia final because they have brought a strong team,” he added.
The former opener also highlighted Australia’s likely ultra-aggressive approach with the bat, pointing out that most of their batters would focus on attacking from the outset.
“In batting, the strategy is very simple. There is only one anchor. Everyone else is a striker. Josh Inglis is the only one who is a striker but can anchor as well. You might think that Cameron Green can play a slight anchor’s role, but all the rest of them, everyone remains absolutely ready to hit fours and sixes,” said Chopra.
He added that Australia’s intent would be clear throughout the innings, with no batter holding back. “So that will be one strategy for this team, that all of them will come and swing their bats. Everyone will keep hitting till Tim David and Pat Cummins. No one will stop. So their strategy is going to be like that,” he added.
Aakash Chopra’s probable Australia XI for the 2026 T20 World Cup
Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis/Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
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