ICC T20 World Cup 2026: How Injuries Have Flipped The Odds For The Teams

T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: X/@ICC]

Every two years, the cricket world resets its clock for the T20 World Cup—a high-octane sprint where every ball feels like a heartbeat and every player dreams of etching their name into the folklore of their nation. It is like a biennial pilgrimage for the players. However, injuries to several key players before or during the tournament often demand their withdrawal, either before the competition or partway through.

Such absences can significantly impact both individuals and teams, as it frequently disrupts pre-planned strategies and team dynamics. The T20 World Cup 2026 is no exception; the absence of several prominent players has notably diminished the prospects of their respective teams.

Injury epidemic for Australia in T20 World Cup 2026

The first two names that come in this category are the Australian captain Pat Cummins and fellow pace bowler Josh Hazlewood. Both have been facing different injury issues for a long time. In fact, Cummins last played with the white ball in 2024. He could play only one Test match during the Ashes 2025-26 due to his ongoing lower back issues.

Hazlewood, on the other hand, was suffering from hamstring and Achilles heel problems and missed the Ashes entirely. Hazlewood remains with the team despite being ruled out from the group stage of the tournament, but a speedy recovery may see him take part in the later stages of the tournament.

Even a bigger blow came for the Australia when their captain, Mitchell Marsh, was ruled out of the Ireland clash due to a recent injury in the groin that he suffered in a recent practice session. Marsh is not yet completely out of the tournament, but Steve Smith has already been called up as a backup.

The opening pair of Marsh and Travis Head is one of the most destructive combinations in world cricket, and if they lose Marsh, it will be a huge blow for their chances in the tournament. 

Smith last played a T20I two years back but performed brilliantly in the recently concluded BBL. He can be fitted in the opening slot in the absence of Marsh, but whether he can provide the quick starts against top opponents will be something to watch out for.

Australia are in a relatively easier group with co-host Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. As displayed against Ireland, they can rely on their young bowlers, such as Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis, who boast Big Bash experience.

Adam Zampa's role has become crucial. He is leading the spin department and taking the heavy load in the absence of the pace trio. Both Ellis and Zampa picked up 4 wickets each against the Irish and ensured that Australia’s bowling strategy could be centered around them. If they qualify for Super Eight as expected, their approach would be interesting to see.

The captain’s corner: Ireland and Italy

In the same match, Ireland had a blow as their captain, Paul Stirling, retired hurt after facing one ball. He earlier injured his knee while taking a catch, and then, during batting, he realized that he could not run. Ireland, after losing their first two matches, have a very small chance of qualification in the next stage.

Another captain who got injured is the Italian captain, Wayne Madsen. He is effectively out of the tournament after suffering a shoulder dislocation while fielding in their debut T20 World Cup match against Scotland. 

It is a huge blow for the newest member in this tournament, who hopes to provide one or two shocks with his astute captaincy and solid batting in the middle order.

Blows for the hosts: India and Sri Lanka

For India, the team is missing the service of Harshit Rana after investing a lot in the youngster. Harshit made his debut in all three formats over the last 18 months and delivered some key performances to become a trustworthy name. 

With Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh being India’s top two preferred seam choices, Harshit would have been used depending on pitches and conditions, but now they must strategize differently.

It was a lucky break for Mohammed Siraj, who got a late call-up but became an overnight hero with an impressive spell against the USA in the very first match. It now gives India three experienced quicks to choose from, and with Bumrah not fully fit, it is a blessing in disguise for them to have Siraj around.

Another co-host, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, underwent surgery before the team’s opening match against Ireland. However, another hamstring injury has prematurely ended his tournament as he has been ruled out of the remaining matches. 

In Hasaranga’s absence, Sri Lanka will face greater challenges in the Super Eights, requiring players such as Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to manage the middle overs through their spin expertise.

Injury concerns continue for teams in T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan had to replace their temperamental fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq with Zia-ur-Rahman due to shoulder stress issues. Now they must primarily depend on their spinners, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad for breakthroughs. 

After losing the first two matches of the tournament, especially the second one in a heartbreaking double Super Over, their chances of qualification to the next round look bleak. Naveen could have been a huge weapon for them during the death overs.

The USA pace spearhead, Ali Khan, had an injury against India and had to miss the game against Pakistan. Another of their bowlers, Jasdeep Singh, had to be replaced by Ehsan Adil, who made his USA debut during the tournament after featuring in Tests and ODIs for Pakistan. With two defeats in two matches, they are also not highly predicted to move to the next round.

The tournament is still in its early stages, and there is a long way to go. The injury issues are unlikely to be resolved soon. 

Deep in the dugouts, the coaches and captains can only hope that none of these injuries has a telling effect on the eventual outcome of the T20 World Cup 2026. Everyone hopes to see a deserving World Cup winner- a team that played the best, not the one that was just lucky enough to stay.