Harbhajan Singh predicts 2026 T20 World Cup semi-finalists

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has revealed his predictions for the teams most likely to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7. 

Notably, Harbhajan did not include two-time champions England among his favourites to claim a third title in the upcoming edition, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Highlighting India's home advantage, Harbhajan said the Men in Blue are well-equipped to handle local conditions. 

However, he noted that their success would depend largely on managing the pressure of expectations. 

Alongside India, he picked Australia and South Africa, while Afghanistan rounded out his fourth choice, leaving out former champions West Indies, winners in 2012 and 2016.

"I think India have a very good chance to win the [T20] World Cup because they are a very strong team and they are playing at home. They know the conditions better than anybody else," Harbhajan said. 

"But the World Cup pressure is something which they need to handle better than the others, which is the most important thing,' he added.

It is pertinent to mention that India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enjoyed a stellar T20I season in 2025, winning 16 of 19 completed matches. 

They will enter the 2026 World Cup as defending champions, having lifted the trophy under Rohit Sharma in the 2024 edition held across the Americas and the Caribbean.

Australia, aiming for their second T20 World Cup title after their maiden triumph in 2021, have previously finished runners-up in 2010 and fell short in the semi-finals in 2007 and 2012. 

South Africa, meanwhile, came closest to the title in 2024 but were unable to clinch the championship.