5 Players Making T20 World Cup Debut Who Can Turn Matches on Their Own

The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on 7 February, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. A total of 350 players have been selected across 20 teams, with each side announcing its 15-member squad. Among them are several players making their T20 World Cup debut who have the potential to single-handedly change the course of a game. Here are five such players to watch:

Abhishek Sharma – India
Since making his T20 debut for India after the last World Cup, Abhishek Sharma has become the world’s number one T20 batsman. The 25-year-old has scored 1,297 runs in 38 matches, including two centuries and eight fifties, at a strike rate of nearly 195.

Dewald Brevis – South Africa
Known for his explosive batting, Dewald Brevis can completely shift a game’s momentum. In 21 T20 Internationals, he has scored 490 runs at a strike rate of 171. He also has experience playing in the Indian Premier League, adding to his adaptability in high-pressure matches.

Jacob Duffy – New Zealand
Jacob Duffy was the second most successful bowler in India’s recent T20 series against New Zealand. In 43 T20 Internationals, he has taken 59 wickets with an economy rate below 8. The 31-year-old fast bowler uses his height advantage effectively, making him a threat in any conditions.

Jacob Bethel – England
At just 22, Jacob Bethel has already captained England in T20 cricket. Born in Barbados, he has scored 414 runs in 20 T20I innings at a strike rate of 151 and has also taken four wickets, making him a valuable all-rounder.

Abrar Ahmed – Pakistan
Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s leg-spinner, will be crucial on the spin-friendly pitches in Sri Lanka. In 34 T20 Internationals, he has claimed 46 wickets at an outstanding economy rate of 6.55, making him a dangerous weapon in the middle overs.

With these debutants ready to make an impact, the T20 World Cup 2026 promises plenty of thrilling moments for cricket fans worldwide.