with ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 the fast-approaching tournament is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable editions in recent memory. The conditions at the venues, the packed international calendar and the fine edges of the shortest format mean there is no guaranteed path to the final four. While India are widely tipped as favorites due to home familiarity, squad depth and all-round balance, several other teams are quietly building strong cases of their own. Among them, Australia remains a side not to be overlooked, especially given their history of peaking at major ICC events. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that despite the tough competition, Australia have all the ingredients to book a place in the semi-finals.
Ricky Ponting explains why Australia slipped into the top 4
Speaking at the ICC review, Ponting expressed confidence in Australia’s chances, highlighting the overall balance of the squad. He mentioned it India may start as favorites given the conditions and talent, Australia are well equipped to challenge any side in the tournament. According to Ponting, flexibility is the biggest strength of the Australian unit, especially the abundance of quality all-rounders.
“If you look at the squad, I think they have as much chance as anyone. India will probably start the event as clear favorites because of the conditions, the talent and the group of players they have put together. They will be hard to beat but I really think we will see Australia in the semi-finals.” Ponting said.
emphasized the existence of players like Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Greenall of them offer plenty of options with both bat and ball. Ponting also distinguished the young all-rounders Cooper ConnollyEnjoyed a remarkable run in the Major Leagues and won the MVP award for the second year in a row. Ponting pointed out that if the pitches offered help to the spinners, Australia could easily include Maxwell and Connolly for support. Adam Zampagiving them three authentic spin options without compromising their hitting depth. According to him, this adaptation could be the decisive factor in a long and demanding tournament.
“The one thing they’ve got in that squad is really good flexibility with a lot of all-rounders. You’ve got (Marcus) Stoinis, (Glenn) Maxwell, Cameron Green, there’s so many. Cooper Connolly. A young guy who’s just won the MVP again in the BBL (Big Major League), looks like he’s going to Australia for the second year. Back up Maxwell and (Adam) Zampa. Ponting added.
The key to a great playing experience in ICC tournaments
Ponting also addressed the unique challenges of ICC events, describing them as extremely difficult to win due to the quality of the opposition and pressure situations. He admitted that Australia failed in the previous edition as their senior players failed to perform at crucial moments. In tournaments like the T20 World Cup, timing is everything and success often depends on star players finding form at the same time. Ponting believes the lesson has been well learned and Australia will be eager to fire match winners in 2026 when it matters most.
“One thing I know about these ICC events is that they are difficult to win because all the best teams in the world play in them and if you want to win it, all the good players have to play well at the right time. It’s probably not the last time Australia has had that happen. They haven’t fired their big guns at the right time to win the event,” Ponting added further.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Ricky Ponting’s top picks for leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament
Despite the absence of Pat Cummins, expectations are high
However, Australia will go into the tournament without one of their biggest match winners. Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a persistent back injury, with significant leadership and bowling left vacant. under his captaincy Mitchell MarshAustralia are expected to miss Cummins’ calm presence and big-game temperament.
Despite this setback, the rest of the team seems well settled and full of experience. With a strong pace attack, versatile all-rounders and proven performers in pressure games, expectations remain high.
Also READ: Aakash Chopra has named Australia’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup
