Not Pakistan, Rahul Dravid Picks Zimbabwe To Play World Cup Final Against India

Rahul Dravid said he would love to see India face Zimbabwe in the 2026 T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has expressed his wish to see India and Zimbabwe clash in the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup. While he said he would accept “India versus anybody” in the summit clash, he admitted that an India-Zimbabwe final would be special and good for Zimbabwe cricket.

Dravid, who coached India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024, said he would enjoy watching one of the so-called weaker teams make it to the final alongside the Men in Blue. India and Zimbabwe are placed in the same group and will need to overcome strong teams like last year’s runners-up South Africa and two-time champions West Indies to reach the semi-finals.

“I would take India versus anybody. India versus Zimbabwe? That would be great for Zimbabwe cricket. It would be amazing if Zimbabwe could make it. I would love to see one of the lesser teams, alongside India. That would be great,” Dravid told NDTV.

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Zimbabwe entered the Super Eight stage as the lowest-ranked side and have never reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. However, they have impressed with their performances this year. They began their campaign with a win over Oman and followed it up with dominant victories against former champions Australia and Sri Lanka.

India’s ‘Great Advantage’ In This World Cup

Dravid also shared his thoughts on India’s performance so far in the tournament. He pointed out that India’s squad depth gives them a strong edge ahead of their Super Eight clash against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

“I think the great advantage that India has is that we are not relying on 1-2 people. We have got great depth in the side. So you would expect that depth to come through. But of course, it is Twenty20 cricket; there is an unknown in Twenty20 cricket. It is the most volatile format of the game, and on any given day, as I have learnt as well as a coach, you can lose. Stick to the process and do what you can and hope for the best,” he said.

India will now look to maintain their strong run as they prepare for the crucial Super Eight encounter, while Zimbabwe aim to continue their fairytale journey in the tournament.