The countdown to T20 World Cup 2026 has begun, with India and Sri Lanka sharing hosting duties starting February 7. Team India, crowned kings in 2024 after outclassing South Africa in the final, arrives as the team to beat. But Rahul Dravid, the architect of their recent success, isn’t mincing words in his pre-tournament advisory.

Speaking at an exclusive event, the legendary batsman-turned-coach laid bare the perils of high-stakes cricket. Favorites like India are destined for the semifinals, he predicted, yet stressed that ‘one poor day can sabotage it all.’ An adversary’s breakout performance, he noted, hinges on fleeting factors, potentially derailing even the most prepared outfit.

His insight stems from painful chapters. In 2003’s ODI World Cup, Dravid’s India faltered in the final versus Australia despite a stellar run. Echoes resounded in 2023, where as head coach, he witnessed Rohit Sharma’s invincible side suffer a shocking final defeat to Australia. ‘These experiences teach us to stay alert,’ Dravid asserted, urging constant readiness.

Enter the current era: Gautam Gambhir’s strategic mind guides a youthful squad under Suryakumar Yadav’s dynamic leadership. Icons like Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja have moved on, but India’s T20 dominance persists. Home advantage amplifies their favoritism. Clinching this would make them the first to defend a T20 World Cup title consecutively and claim a third overall, surpassing all rivals since their 2007 debut win.

Dravid’s counsel resonates deeply with a nation of cricket obsessives. As the tournament unfolds, will India heed the call and avoid past pitfalls? The path to immortality demands perfection every single day.