India's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is set to begin with a match against the United States in Mumbai, but there's a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the availability of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is reportedly doubtful for the opening game due to a mild fever and missed Friday's training session.
The team management is unlikely to rush Bumrah back into action, especially with tougher Group A games coming up. India faces Namibia on February 12, Pakistan on February 15, and the Netherlands on February 18. Given this tight schedule, managing workloads and avoiding unnecessary risks is a priority. The decision to potentially rest Bumrah is a precautionary measure, ensuring his fitness for the entirety of the tournament.
In Bumrah's likely absence, Mohammed Siraj is the frontrunner to join the playing XI. Siraj, who was included in the squad as a replacement for the injured Harshit Rana, offers pace and experience. While Hardik Pandya is expected to handle the new ball, Siraj could be utilized as the first-change bowler, maintaining a strong pace presence through the middle overs.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Indian side. Yadav has been captain of the T20I side since July 2024, after Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format. Under his leadership, India has remained unbeaten in T20I series and secured the Asia Cup 2025 title.
Despite the potential absence of Bumrah, India enters the match as the overwhelming favorite. They are currently ranked first in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings and are on a 15-series unbeaten streak. The team is aiming to become the first to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title and the first host nation to win the tournament.
The United States, on the other hand, will be looking to make a statement. They automatically qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup and are placed 18th in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings. While they lost both of their warm-up matches against India A and New Zealand, their batting performances, where they scored 200 runs in both chases, suggest potential. Captain Patel has expressed confidence in his team's experience and balance.
The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, a venue known for its batting-friendly surface. The pitch offers assistance to pacers with the new ball, while spinners come into play during the middle overs. Dew is expected to be a factor, potentially making batting easier in the second innings.
As the defending champions, India will be keen to start their campaign on a winning note. However, the USA will be eager to prove their mettle and create an upset.