“Going to find it hard” - Indian legend’s massive claim on Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations

Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a striking statement about the Australian team’s preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026. His remarks came after Australia’s defeat in the fourth game of the five-match T20I series against India on Thursday, November 6, at Carrara Oval in Queensland.

Chasing 168, the hosts were bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs, losing by 48 runs. After the game, during a discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that the pitches for the ongoing T20I series are slow, and on such surfaces, Australia is likely to struggle. He said:

“We had said that the fixture that Australia has set for the T20 series has suited India more than anybody else because in all these places, the ball comes a little slower, and even when you go to Brisbane, you will see that the ball comes a little slower. Obviously, the Ashes are coming, so I don’t think they will give you a Test match pitch. So the pitch will come a little slower, and Australia is going to find it hard.”

The 39-year-old further asserted that although many believe the Australian team looks very powerful, if the wickets play slow or offer turn during the World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka, Australia could struggle, just as they did in the fourth T20I against the Men in Blue.

“Many people, after previewing and looking at the team a bit, are saying that Australia’s team is very strong, very powerful for the upcoming World Cup, but if the wicket comes a little slower, sticks a little, or turns a little, the performance we saw today is the kind of performance you might end up seeing from Australia even at the World Cup.” “But how will the wickets be in February-March? Will they stay a bit fresh, will there be dew? Dew maybe will not be late. So keeping all these factors in mind, Australia’s power batting is definitely a risk, but if the wicket comes a little sticky, India is going to be in the driver’s seat,” he added.

Meanwhile, India’s victory in the fourth T20I gave them a 2-1 lead, with one game remaining.

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“India was absolutely brilliant” - R Ashwin heaps praise on the Men in Blue for their win in the 4th T20I

Put into bat, Shubman Gill top-scored for the visitors with 46 off 39 balls as the team finished at 167/8 in their 20 overs. In response, Australia were 84/3 after 11 overs before the Men in Blue bowlers staged a stunning comeback to secure a 48-run victory.

In the same video, Ashwin praised Shivam Dube for taking two quick wickets while also criticizing Glenn Maxwell for targeting the wrong bowler. He said:

“Even today, Australia were in a good position, but when Dube got that double break, especially off Tim David. The last match, I had prepared a bit, and his improvement in batting, especially against spin, has been remarkable. His wicket was then taken by Dube.” “From there on, Australia were definitely going to catch up, and with so much experience, I know Glenn Maxwell is a dangerous player, playing a match after a long time, but as he took on Varun and got bowled, the game completely got closed. I was very surprised to see some of the experienced Australian batters make mistakes, but India was nevertheless absolutely brilliant,” he added.

The two teams will face off in the final T20I on Saturday, November 8, at The Gabba in Brisbane.

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Edited by Dev Sharma