The countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has well and truly begun, with the tournament scheduled to be hosted in India. With familiar pitches, packed stadiums, and intense fan support, the event promises high-octane cricket and immense pressure on all participating teams. As anticipation builds, former players and experts have started weighing in with predictions, analysing form, conditions, and temperament ahead of the global showpiece. Among them, former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared his early thoughts on which teams he believes will make it to the semifinals of the marquee tournament.

Harbhajan Singh shares his predictions for semifinal spots at T20 World Cup 2026

Harbhajan believes that hosts India will be strong contenders to go all the way, citing their depth, balance, and familiarity with home conditions. According to the World Cup winner, playing in India gives the home side a significant advantage, but handling the mental pressure of a global tournament will be crucial.

“I think India has a very good chance to win the world Cup because they are a very strong team and they are playing at home. They know the conditions better than anybody else. But the World Cup pressure is something which they need to handle better than the others, which is the most important thing,” Harbhajan said, as quoted by Gulf Today.

Alongside India, Harbhajan named Australia as automatic contenders, highlighting their pedigree in ICC tournaments. The former spinner pointed out that Australia’s ability to perform under pressure makes them a dangerous side in any World Cup, regardless of conditions or format.

He also backed South Africa, praising their recent form and consistency across white-ball cricket. The Proteas have often entered tournaments as favourites only to fall short at crucial stages, but Harbhajan feels their current momentum could finally translate into a deep run.

Completing his semifinal lineup is Afghanistan, a team he believes could be a major threat on Indian pitches. Harbhajan highlighted Afghanistan’s potent spin attack and growing confidence, stating that they have the ability to beat any opponent in subcontinental conditions.

“I think Australia have always been a very good team and top contenders to win any cup. South Africa are the other contenders for the title with their current form. They have been playing some outstanding cricket of late. Afghanistan are also very strong with their spinners. I think they can beat anyone in these conditions. So these are my four picks for the semis,” added Harbhajan.

No place for two-time champions England in Harbhajan’s list

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

England’s aggressive batting approach has brought them success in the past, but adapting to slower surfaces and high-pressure knockout scenarios in India may prove challenging. With several teams improving rapidly and conditions favouring spin-heavy attacks, even established powerhouses could find the margin for error extremely slim.