“They are a bit like what Roger Federer was early on in his career”

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik compared the current T20I side to Tennis legend Roger Federer at the peak of his career amid the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue started their campaign in style despite a few jittery moments, defeating the USA by 29 runs in their tournament opener.

India has won 21 out of their last 25 completed T20I games since the start of last year, and the streak extends to 45 out of 51 since the beginning of 2024. It includes an unbeaten run in the 2024 T20 World Cup, culminating with a second T20 World Cup title.

Talking about India’s short-format dominance, Karthik said on Cricbuzz:

“I feel like what Roger Federer was early on in his career. Everybody used to compete to somehow find a way to stop him in the final. India is exactly where Roger Federer was in his peak. That’s what we will watch in the next couple of weeks, if something interesting will unfold (on India’s Rafael Nadal).

Needless to say, Federer has the third most Grand Slam titles with 20, behind only Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Yet, Federer’s peak was historic as he won 16 slams from 2003 to 2010.

“The combination they have is amazing” – Ajinkya Rahane on Team India’s T20I dominance

Discarded India batter Ajinkya Rahane also hailed the current T20I side for their unparalleled dominance over the past year. The Men in Blue are massive favorites to become the first repeat champions in T20 World Cup history and break the drought of triumphing at home.

“Playing absolutely great cricket in this format for the last 12 months. And the combination what they have right now is amazing. They have a fearless attitude and play fearless cricket, and everyone seems to enjoy each other’s company. They are looking like one unit and are also trying to help each other out. That’s a great sign,” said Rahane (via the aforementioned source).

Suryakumar Yadav’s side will look to continue their dominant run in their second T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash against Namibia in Delhi on February 12. India are also looking to become the first three-time champions in T20 World Cup history.