T20 World Cup 2026: Sam Billings shares bold predictions ahead of mega event, locks India to finish runners-up [Exclusive]

Published - 06 Feb 2026, 19:13 IST | Updated - 06 Feb 2026, 19:21 IST

In an exclusive interaction with CricTracker, England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings shared his predictions for the T20 World Cup 2026, naming his favourites for the title, standout performers, and the Player of the Tournament. Billings, who famously guided MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles) to three consecutive titles, offered detailed insights into what he expects from the marquee event.

For the leading run-scorer, Billings backed his England teammate Jos Buttler, citing the skipper’s consistency and impact in T20 internationals. Buttler has been in sublime form and continues to be a vital contributor for England at the top of the order. In 147 T20Is, he has scored 3,950 runs at a strike rate of 148.66, including one century and 28 half-centuries.

In the bowling department, Billings named Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as his pick to finish as the highest wicket-taker. Bumrah has been a dominant force for India over the years, claiming 107 wickets in 87 T20Is at an impressive economy rate of 6.54.

Billings also tipped Buttler to be the Player of the Tournament, stressing the importance of his presence at the top of the order. Buttler currently ranks fifth on the all-time T20 World Cup run-scorers list, with 1,013 runs in 35 matches at an average of 42.20. Billings backed the wicketkeeper-batter to anchor innings and deliver match-winning performances.

Looking at the semi-finalists, Billings predicted England, India, South Africa, and Australia to make the final four. India are the defending champions, while South Africa finished runners-up in 2024. England have won the tournament twice, and Australia lifted the trophy once.

Billings named England opener Phil Salt as his Impact Player for the tournament. Salt has been in fine form in international and franchise cricket, scoring 1,587 runs in 52 T20Is at a strike rate of 166.52, including four centuries and seven fifties.

Ultimately, Billings backed England to lift the T20 World Cup for a third time. They are placed in Group C alongside West Indies, Nepal, Italy, and Scotland and will look to dominate the group stage and carry momentum into the Super Eights and knockouts.

Meanwhile, Billings predicted India to finish as runners-up, noting the depth and quality of their squad under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, which includes players like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Varun Chakravarthy, and Rinku Singh.