As India steps into 2026, the cricket team faces a year filled with high expectations and critical questions across all formats of the game. With major tournaments on the horizon and shifts in leadership, the team's mettle will be tested. Here are three key issues that will likely dominate discussions around Indian cricket in the coming year.
Suryakumar Yadav's Form and T20 World Cup Impact
Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic T20I batter, finds himself under intense scrutiny as India prepares to co-host the T20 World Cup in February-March. Once hailed as India's best in the format, his recent performances have been lackluster, with a noticeable decline in his average and strike rate. In 2025, Yadav averaged less than 14 in T20Is, a stark contrast to his earlier dominance. Despite a stellar IPL season in 2025, where he scored 717 runs, his form for the national team has been a major concern.
Yadav himself has acknowledged his "lean patch," admitting that he has been "out of runs". This has raised questions about his place in the T20 World Cup squad, especially considering that he is also the captain. While his captaincy has been praised, his primary role as a batter is now under the microscope. Some suggest that the pressure of captaincy might be affecting his batting, and he needs to focus more on his individual performance. Despite the concerns, Yadav will lead India in the T20 World Cup and a preceding series against New Zealand. The team will be looking to defend the title they won in 2024 under Rohit Sharma. His performance in these matches will be crucial in silencing critics and proving his worth as both captain and batter.
Gautam Gambhir's Coaching and Test Cricket Redemption
Gautam Gambhir's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has been a mixed bag. While he led the team to victories in the 2025 Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, his performance in Test cricket has been less impressive. Under his guidance, India suffered home series losses to New Zealand and South Africa, and a series defeat in Australia. This is in stark contrast to India's previously dominant record in home Tests. Some experts have even suggested that Gambhir should return to domestic cricket to gain a better understanding of building a Test team.
Despite these criticisms, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shown confidence in Gambhir, backing him to continue as the coach across all formats until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Gambhir himself has expressed his determination to improve India's Test record. With India scheduled to play nine more Tests in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, there is ample opportunity for Gambhir to turn things around. His ability to guide the team through this transition phase and achieve success in Test cricket will be a key factor in defining his legacy as a coach.
The Issue of Home Tests and Regaining Dominance
India's recent struggles in home Test series have raised concerns about the team's overall strength in the format. The losses to New Zealand and South Africa have broken a long-standing record of home dominance. Several factors have contributed to this decline, including the retirement of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and the emergence of a new generation of batters who are still finding their footing in Test cricket.
The absence of home Tests in the immediate future adds another layer of complexity. India will need to find ways to prepare for Test matches and develop their players in different conditions. This could involve focusing on domestic cricket and providing opportunities for young players to gain experience in red-ball cricket. As India aims to regain its position as a top-notch Test side, addressing these issues and finding a winning formula for home conditions will be crucial.
In 2026, Indian cricket stands at a critical juncture. The answers to these three questions – Suryakumar Yadav's form, Gautam Gambhir's coaching, and the issue of home Tests – will significantly shape the team's trajectory and determine its success across all formats. The year promises to be an eventful one, filled with challenges and opportunities for Indian cricket to prove its mettle on the global stage.
