WATCH | Parthiv Patel Reveals India’s Toughest T20 World Cup Rival

Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel picked Australia as the team India must beat to win the T20 World Cup 2026.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has identified Australia as India’s toughest rival at the T20 World Cup 2026. India are placed in Group A alongside USA, Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Patel opined that beating Australia remains crucial for any team with title ambitions.

“Yes, definitely Australia will be a team to beat for India. Agar kisi bhi team ko World Cup jeetna hai kisi bhi format mein, toh Australia ko harana bahut jaruri hai (If any team wants to win the World Cup in any format, then it is a must to defeat Australia),” the former cricketer said on Star Sports.

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Notably, India defeated Australia in the semifinals of the 2007 T20 World Cup. They also overcame Australia during the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. In the 2011 ODI World Cup, India eliminated Australia in the quarterfinals before lifting the trophy under MS Dhoni.

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ICC Men's #T20WorldCup 2026 👉 Starts FEB 7 pic.twitter.com/s92bHMYWTR

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 26, 2026

Parthiv Patel Backs Abhishek–Samson Opening Pair

Patel then rated the opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as more dangerous than the Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma combination from the 2024 T20 World Cup. He pointed to higher intent and strike rates as key factors behind his view.

He also offered praise for India’s bowling resources. Patel described Varun Chakaravarthy as the most challenging T20I spinner in world cricket at present.

The tournament will run from February 7 to March 8 across five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka.