T20 World Cup 2026: Three emerging player rivalries to watch out for

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 got underway on February 7, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with 20 teams vying for supremacy in the shortest format. India arrive as defending champions after their dramatic triumph in 2024 and once again find themselves among the frontrunners. With packed venues, high stakes, and minimal margins for error, the tournament promises relentless, high-octane cricket.

While team rivalries form the backbone of any World Cup, individual battles often end up defining its narrative. Duels between bat and ball can swing momentum in a handful of deliveries, altering the course of matches. The 2026 edition is set to showcase several such emerging rivalries, as young stars clash in contests of skill, temperament, and adaptability.

Here are 3 emerging rivalries: 

Harry Brook vs Varun Chakravarthy

England captain Harry Brook has rapidly established himself as one of the most destructive middle-order batters in T20 cricket. Armed with power, precise timing, and a fearless mindset, Brook is equally comfortable taking on pace or spin. His wide range of strokes and ability to manipulate the field with his unconventional shots have seen him labelled a generational talent. In 46 T20I innings, Brook has amassed 1064 runs at an average of 31.29 while striking at an impressive rate of 152.

India’s Varun Chakravarthy, however, presents a unique challenge. The mystery spinner thrives on deception, subtle variations, and changes in pace that force batters into hesitation. On spin-friendly surfaces in India and Sri Lanka, this contest could become a tactical duel between aggression and control.

Notably, in three T20 innings against Varun, Brook has managed just 28 runs off 18 balls and has been dismissed on all three occasions. The World Cup offers Brook a chance to rewrite that narrative. Chakravarthy is currently the world No.1 ranked T20I bowler and has taken 59 wickets in 36 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of just 7.77.