Aakash Chopra predicts Australia’s strongest XI for T20 World Cup 2026

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his views on the T20 World Cup 2026 squad for Australia and also shared his choice for their likely playing XI for the tournament. Notably, Australia have won the T20 World Cup once in 2021, under the captaincy of Aaron Finch.

India and Sri Lanka will co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will take place from February 7 to March 8. Australia has been placed in Group B for the first round and will share the Super Eight stage group with India, contingent on qualification. This eliminates the possibility of a semi-final matchup between the two heavyweights.

Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricket player and analyst, has shared his ideal Australia starting lineup, describing a squad based on strength, depth, and tactical balance.

Akash Chopra reveals his pick for Australia’s XI for T20 World Cup 2026

Chopra's choice is a reflection of contemporary T20 strategy, which includes long batting depth, a variety of bowling options, and flexibility depending on the surface. His starting lineup combines well-known players with guys who can make quick changes to games, which is important in World Cup cricket.

Chopra supported Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh as openers at the top of the order. Head's daring strokeplay and Marsh's ability to muscle bowlers from ball one make them a potent combination that can set the tone for the powerplay. 

Australia's beginnings are further strengthened by their experience in high-pressure competitions. 

Josh Inglis came in at number three behind them. Chopra appreciated Inglis's adaptability because he can accelerate when the platform is set or anchor if early wickets fall. Without sacrificing batting depth, his wicketkeeping abilities also give the XI balance.

All-around strength is the focal point of the middle order. Depending on the circumstances of the game, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis offer power, seam-bowling options, and versatility. Green's bounce, reach, and ability to clear the ropes even on slower pitches make him an important player in Asian conditions, according to Chopra. 

The always dangerous Glenn Maxwell, a player Chopra believes is essential to T20 cricket, comes next. Maxwell gives Australia a match-winner who can turn games around on his own in the middle overs thanks to his unconventional batting style and off-spin.

“If fitness isn’t an issue, the side could feature skipper Mitchell Marsh alongside Travis Head, followed by Josh Inglis, with Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David forming a formidable middle order. It’s an wow batting unit, with Pat Cummins slotted in at No. 8,” Chopra explained on his YouTube channel.

Coming to the bowling duties, Chopra picked one between Nathan Ellis and Matthew Kuhnemann. His choice for permanent picks were Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa. 

“You can stack the lower order with three specialist bowlers from nine to eleven. I’d be weighing up Nathan Ellis and Matthew Kuhnemann, but Ellis is likely gets the nod given his value at the death, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa. With that balance, an India–Australia final is very much a possibility,” he said.

Aakash Chopra’s Australia XI for T20 World Cup 2026:

Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis/Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

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