From Abhishek to Bethell: five X-Factor players set to light up the 2026 T20 World Cup

The 2026 Men's T20 World Cup is just days away, kicking off on Saturday, February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

With the tournament being held in sub-continental conditions, spin and explosive top-order batting will likely dominate. Based on recent form in the BBL, SA20, and international circuits leading up to this week, here are five X-Factor players to watch who are poised to define this tournament.

1. Abhishek Sharma (India)

There will be a Sharma at the top of the order for India, but it won’t be former captain Rohit with the explosive Abishek now taking the reins. Currently ranked as the No 1 T20I batter in the world, Sharma has revolutionized India's Powerplay approach. He enters the tournament in terrifying form, having recently smashed a 28-ball 68 not out against New Zealand.

His ability to clear the boundary effortlessly on Indian pitches makes him one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament. Australian legend Ricky ‘Punter’ Ponting has put his money on Sharma to be the leading run-scorer in the competition.

Key Stat: He holds the world’s highest T20I career-strike rate of 194.74.

2. Jacob Bethell (England)

Entering the T20 World Cup, Bethell has rapidly transitioned from a "prospect for the future" to a vital cog in England's balancing act. With the tournament held in India and Sri Lanka, his specific skillset is almost custom-built for these conditions.  

Unlike many English batters who prefer pace, the young left-hander is technically superb against spin. He uses his feet brilliantly and has a potent reverse sweep.

He also offers the 2022 champions the luxury of playing an extra batter because he can genuinely bowl four overs, while he is an electrifying fielder at backward point.

Key stat: At 21 years and 329 days old, Bethell was named the youngest captain in England's history.

3. Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan)

The much-travelled left-arm wrist spinner is a globetrotter at just 21 years old. Noor Ahmad plays in all the major T20 Leagues where his services are highly sought after. South Africans will know him from his time with Durban’s Super Giants in the Betway SA20.

His unique left-arm angle and difficult-to-read variations will be lethal on turning tracks in Sri Lanka and India. Although Afghanistan are blessed with an abundance of mystery spinners, Noor Ahmad is potentially the most dangerous. 

Key stat: Noor Ahmad has claimed 32 IPL wickets in comparison to Rashid Khan’s 19 in the last two seasons.

4. Finn Allen (New Zealand)

The Black Cap opener has been in sublime form of late. He smashed the BBL where he topped the competition’s run-scorers list with 466 runs at a strike rate of 184 to power the Perth Scorchers to their sixth championship title. 

The 26-year-old transferred that form to the international stage where he clubbed 80 off just 36 balls (8x4, 6x6) in the fifth T20I against hosts India. It would have been the perfect acclimatisation to conditions expected at the T20 World Cup.

Key stat: Holds the record for the third most sixes (16) in a T20I innings.

5. Cooper Connolly (Australia)

The 22-year-old is Australia's designated "Wildcard." A clutch player who seems to have ice in his veins, Connolly is a versatile spin-bowling all-rounder - a gold dust profile for a World Cup in Asia. Australia often uses him to float in the batting order to disrupt spin attacks.

The 22-year-old also formed part of the Perth Scorchers’ recent BBL triumph. 

Key stat: He has become Australia’s go-to man for picking up wickets in the Powerplay.