Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin reckons Tim David is going to play a crucial role in how far Australia would go in the T20 World Cup 2026. David is known for his explosive batting in the middle order and he can be deadly against the spinners.
The right-hander has scored 1596 runs in 68 T20I matches at an average of 36.27 and a strike rate of 168.89. David scored 189 runs in nine innings at an average of 62.33 and a strike rate of 185.14 in IPL 2025.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on YouTube Channel, “They are using him at No.4. He is someone with elite power and murders spin. In my opinion, David at No.4 will determine Australia’s fate. Australia will go as far as he takes them.”
Furthermore, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to injury woes.
“They have plenty of problems with Josh Hazlewood’s late arrival and Pat Cummins’ injury. These things will set Australia back. Adam Zampa’s wicket-taking will be crucial as he bowls brilliantly to right-handers and left-handers,” he said
Ashwin added that players like Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green and captain Mitchell Marsh will hold the key for Australia.
“Nathan Ellis has also been very economical, which will be a gift for CSK fans to hear. Marsh’s batting at the top and his captaincy will also dictate Australia’s fortunes. Cameron Green’s middle-order anchoring will be critical. He averages 40+,” added Ashwin.
Ashwin further noted that Australia doesn’t have quality spinners for backup in the World Cup.
“They don’t have great backup spin-bowling options. They rely on Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly. Between these two, only one of them will play. Their all-rounders are all expensive though. Cameron Green gods at more than 10 per over and Maxwell is close to 10,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
“If Zampa doesn’t get wickets and the opposition play him out, where will Australia go for wickets? They don’t have much might in their bowling. It remains to be seen how much Australia exploits Ben Dwarshuis’ skillset of swinging it both ways.”
Australia begins their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on 11th February at Colombo.
