The final time the Indian males’s group received an ICC title—the Champions Trophy—Abhishek Nayar was the assistant coach. As one other ICC occasion—the T20 World Cup—beckons, Nayar believes India is the group to beat.
“We’re the strongest aspect. I’m not saying it for the sake of claiming it, however we now have performed cricket just like the strongest aspect, and everybody fears enjoying India anyplace on the earth on this format,” he mentioned.
The toss is predicted to play a major position, feels the 42-year-old. “You’re enjoying in India at the moment of the yr (sic). If the dew units in and Surya(kumar) Yadav begins successful tosses, you’re successful the trophy,” he added.
The expectations could also be excessive of the defending champion, however captain Suryakumar’s type stays a priority. He might solely rating 213 runs throughout 20 matches and 18 innings in 2025, averaging simply over 14. His final half-century got here manner again in October 2024, 23 innings in the past, when he scored 75 towards Bangladesh in Hyderabad.
Revealed on Jan 16, 2026