Cricket fever grips Mumbai as USA pulls off a toss masterstroke against India in T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede, electing to bowl under captain Monank Patel. Jasprit Bumrah’s absence due to fitness issues hands Mohammad Siraj a crucial start, altering India’s bowling dynamics significantly.
‘Pitch appears pristine for a high chase. World Cup spotlights USA; we’re primed after DY Patil warm-ups. Lineup: six bats, two all-round gems, three bowlers,’ Patel declared, signaling aggressive intent on a venue known for run feasts.
Suryakumar Yadav’s India, eager to bat first, adapts swiftly. ‘Batting paradise, breezy conditions nix dew fears. Electric atmosphere awaits escalation,’ the captain affirmed. Without Washington Sundar or Sanju Samson, reliance falls on a star-studded batting core and spin duo Axar Patel-Varun Chakaravarthy.
Group A favorites India debut here, plotting Namibia (Feb 12), suspense-laden Pakistan (Feb 15), and Netherlands (Feb 18). USA-India T20 history favors the hosts, who romped to victory in 2024 WC after bundling USA for 110/8.
India’s lineup: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Siraj.
USA squad: Saiteja Mukkamalla, Andries Gous (wk), Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Shubham Ranjane, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan.
Spotlights flare, crowds roar—will USA’s boldness unravel India, or will SKY’s men assert dominance in this pulsating opener?