Countdown 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup The tournament has officially started and the tournament is scheduled to be held in India. With familiar pitches, packed stadiums and strong fan support, the tournament will deliver high-intensity cricket and put enormous pressure on all participating teams. As anticipation builds, former players and experts are taking to predicting, analyzing the form, conditions and temperament ahead of games around the world. Among them, former Indian outside player Harbhajan Singh Shares his early thoughts on which teams he thinks will reach the semifinals of the major tournament.

Harbhajan Singh shares his predictions for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals berth

Harbhajan believes hosts India will be strong contenders all the way due to their depth, balance and familiarity with home conditions. The World Cup winner said playing in India gives the home team a significant advantage but dealing with the mental pressure of a global tournament is also crucial.

“I think India have a good chance of winning the World Cup because they are a very strong team and they are playing at home. They understand the situation better than anyone else. But the pressure of the World Cup is something they need to handle better than other teams and that is the most important thing.” Gulf Today quoted Harbhajan as saying.

Harbhajan highlighted their pedigree in the ICC tournament by naming Australia as automatic contenders along with India. The former spinner noted that Australia’s ability to perform under pressure makes them a dangerous team in any World Cup, regardless of conditions or formats.

He also backed South Africa, praising their recent performance and consistency in white-ball cricket. The Proteas often enter the tournament as favorites only to fall short at crucial stages, but Harbhajan believes their current momentum could eventually translate into a deep run.

Afghanistan is the final member of his semi-final squad and he feels the team could be India’s main threat on the pitch. Highlighting Afghanistan’s potent spin attack and growing confidence, Harbhajan said they are capable of defeating any opponent in subcontinental conditions.

“I think Australia have always been a very good team and are top contenders to win any cup. South Africa are other contenders for the title in their current form. They have played some excellent cricket of late. Afghanistan’s spin is also very strong. I think they can beat anyone in this situation. So those are my four picks for the semi-finals.” Harbhajan added.

Also read: Rohit Sharma predicts 2026 T20 World Cup finalists

There is no place for two-time champions England in Harbhajan’s squad

One of the most striking aspects of Harbhajan’s prediction is the absence of two-time T20 World Cup winners England. Despite England’s reputation as one of the most explosive white-ball teams, Harbhajan did not include them in his semi-final squad, suggesting conditions and consistency could play a decisive role.

England’s attacking approach to batting has brought them success in the past, but adapting to India’s slower surfaces and high-pressure knockout conditions may prove challenging. With several teams improving at a rapid pace and conditions conducive to a spin-heavy attack, even the established powers will find there is very little room for error.

Also read: Monty Panesar predicts 2026 T20 World Cup semi-finalists