Rishabh Pant might not be part of India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, yet he managed to grab the attention with his bold and confident take on the mega event. Rishabh Pant named the four teams he believes will reach the semifinals of the tournament.
Rishabh Pant predicts T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finalist
There is a surprise pick that has caught everyone’s attention. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter believes that the defending champions, the Men in Blue, will continue their strong run at the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pant has also backed former champions Australia and last edition’s runner-up South Africa as his next two semi-finalists. He also feels Afghanistan can stun everyone to reach the top 4.
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The aggressive batter has called the Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan cricket team a fast-rising force and feels they now have the quality and mindset to challenge the biggest teams in the world.
Pant said on Sport Tak’s YouTube channel, “India, Australia, and South Africa; the fourth team should be Asian—Afghanistan.”
Pant predicts history for India
Additionally, Pant is also confident about India’s chances of scripting history. The star cricketer feels the Men in Blue are in excellent form, winning eight series in a row, and the current squad has everything needed to lift their third T20 World Cup trophy.
He added, “90 percent chance for India [to win the title].”
Pant drops One-Word verdicts on India’s T20 World Cup 2026 stars
Pant also described the several Indian players who are part of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad in one word during the same discussion. The Indian wicketkeeper called Ishan Kishan “cute” and described Abhishek Sharma as “handsome.” Sanju Samson (team man) and Rinku Singh (amazing team man) were praised for always putting the team first.
Furthermore, the LSG captain felt Shivam Dube is a “game-changer,” while Hardik Pandya earned special praise for his outstanding presence—“outrageous and outstanding.” Tilak Varma was labelled “brave,” while Washington Sundar was described as a “smart package” by Pant.
At the end, Arshdeep Singh was described as an “intelligent bowler.” Notably, Pant was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning team in 2024, but he has not been part of the team since last year. However, the Indian wicketkeeper remains an important member of India’s Test and ODI sides.
Pant shares update on his fitness
Recently, the left-handed batter missed the ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain. Sharing an update on his fitness, the Indian star said that he has been recovering well and is hopeful of returning to the action as soon as possible.
Pant said on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League as quoted by PTI: “My fitness is getting better day by day. I am working hard at the Centre of Excellence, and I think I’m going to be out (on the field) soon.”
Every comeback has taught me something about life: Pant
The Indian star said that the injuries helped him see the game and life in a new way. Still, he admitted that missing matches is the hardest part of being sidelined. He signed off by saying, “Every comeback has taught me something about life.
It has taught me more gratitude, how you see things around you, and wanting to be committed to something that really makes you happy. When I am injured, the thing I miss the most is really enjoying the game. You love the game so much, and you also enjoy playing it at the top level. That’s something I miss truly.”
