Cricket fans turn their attention to Asia for the next month as the T20 World Cup gets underway in India and Sri Lanka.
Co-hosts India enter the tournament as defending champions after an experienced side lifted the trophy in 2024.
Their seven-run victory over South Africa in the final brought the curtain down on the T20 careers of captain Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and matchwinner Virat Kohli - a trio of Indian legends.
2026 T20 Cricket World Cup Betting Tips
India to shine again
Now it is the turn of a new-look squad led by Suryakumar Yadav, packed with power-hitters and boasting a versatile bowling attack that gives India one of the most balanced line-ups in the format.
The Men in Blue will look to maximise home‑soil advantage through aggressive intent in the opening fixture as conditions in India traditionally reward teams who seize momentum early.
With explosive batters such as Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh complementing Suryakumar’s 360-degree strokeplay, India can set the tone by dominating powerplays and forcing opponents into defensive tactics.
Their bowling attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh, giving them wicket-taking options across all phases, and they remain just as good in the field as they were two years ago.
Since lifting the trophy in Bridgetown, India have won 33 and lost only six T20 internationals, clinching eight consecutive bilateral series and adding the Asia Cup to their array of silverware.
If they combine their home advantage with proactive, high-tempo cricket, they are highly likely to defend their crown.
Ireland can make their mark
Meanwhile, Ireland enter the tournament with renewed optimism of a better showing than two years ago when they suffered group-stage defeats to India, Canada and Pakistan before heading home without a win to their name. Paul Stirling captains a squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent and has recently found success thanks to a new formula.
Ireland stumbled across a different balance to their side in the 2-0 series win over the United Arab Emirates while tuning up for the tournament.
Curtis Campher played a match-winning knock as an extra batter with all-rounder George Dockrell responding to the move by returning 2-12 off three overs in Dubai.
Ireland’s strength lies in continuity, with many of their core players having featured together across multiple ICC tournament cycles, giving them cohesion that can be invaluable in a short-format tournament.
Their preparations have gone well and a 2-1 series win over Italy last month demonstrated how their experience of varied conditions - gained from previous subcontinental tours - positions them better than many associate nations.
However, Stirling’s squad will have to hit the ground running if they are to stand any chance of making it into the Super 8 stage.
They face co-hosts Sri Lanka in Colombo in their opening match and a defeat there could mean they would need to beat 2021 champions Australia in the next game to stay in the hunt in Group B.
But Ireland suffered a heavy nine-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup before bouncing back to beat England three days later, so an early setback may not be insurmountable.
Victories in key matches against Oman and Zimbabwe, alongside competitive displays against the group’s favourites, would be seen as significant progress.
Ireland’s fielding standards and tactical discipline - historically strong aspects of their white-ball identity - could help them edge out tight contests, especially on slower subcontinental surfaces where athleticism and precision matter.
While progressing from Group B is undoubtedly challenging, Ireland’s stability, preparation, and the volatile nature of the 2026 tournament environment give them a credible chance of pushing for a top‑two finish and reaching the Super 8s.