'We are a well-experienced, well-balanced team this time' - Monank Patel analyses USA's strengths ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup [Exclusive]

The USA's maiden appearance in the T20 World Cup came in the previous edition of the marquee event in 2024. They had an impressive run, which saw them beat Pakistan and progress to the Super Eights. Monank Patel led the side commendably and also scored a vital half-century in the famous Super Over win against Pakistan. The USA and Patel himself will look to build on that performance when they feature in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

In an exclusive interview with CricTracker, the wicketkeeper-batter spoke about USA's memorable series win against Bangladesh ahead of the previous World Cup, the change in mindset where winning games is the goal and not just competing, revealed his idol and aspirations heading into the impending World Cup.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

USA's historic T20I series win over Bangladesh - How did captaining that 2-1 triumph in 2024 build the belief for bigger shocks like Pakistan at the World Cup that we all saw?

As a team, we had a great opportunity to play against the Test-playing country for the first time, and it was good preparation for us heading into the World Cup and playing in home conditions. We wanted to make sure that we did well and gained some confidence from that series, and I felt like we wanted to play a brand of cricket, fearless cricket. It was the best chance for us to prove that in the series. Everyone was really excited, and personally, as a leader, I wanted to make sure that everyone had the freedom to play that fearless cricket. The important thing was to win the series, and the way we got the start in the first game and the second game, we carried that momentum forward. I felt like it really helped us heading into the World Cup.

Going into a World Cup, does USA cricket still talk about ‘competing well’ or has the conversation finally shifted towards upsetting big teams and changing perceptions? 

I think the mindset was to win games, not just to compete. That mindset was already there before we played that World Cup. As I talked about the Bangladesh series, we wanted to win, so we always play to win. That mindset was already there. Now, with the experience of the 2024 World Cup and doing well in the tournament, qualifying for the Super 8, we have that experience and confidence. So I feel like this USA team is a well-experienced, well-balanced, and stronger team.

When you line up against teams with decades of World Cup history, where do you think the gap really lies: skills, temperament, or repetition at the highest level? 

I think it’s about skill and temperament. If you talk about skill, there isn’t a big difference. Temperament comes when you play a lot, when you get that exposure consistently and in good volume. That’s how you build temperament and experience. So I feel that once countries like the USA get that kind of exposure, we will definitely be in that comparison.

Who was your Idol while growing up, and why?

Sachin Tendulkar and the reason is most of the cricketers during my age, Sachin was the idol and the way he has brought not just Indian cricket but the entire cricket, the way he has played throughout his entire career, he has gained a lot of respect and he has taught not only the young youth but even the current cricketers also. He will be the one.

You played a crucial role in the successful chase against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2024. What can we expect from Monank Patel as a batter at the 2026 World Cup?

Personally I want to contribute a lot and be consistent in all the games. I want to have an impact where it helps us and as a team to win the games.

How different will this USA team look in 2026 compared to the one that surprised everyone in 2024?

I will say it's a well-experienced team and well-balanced team. We have a lot of all-rounders and definitely we will be bringing something new in the game and people will definitely watch in this World Cup.

As a batter and captain, what benchmarks have you set for yourself for the 2026 World Cup?

As I said, as a batter I want to make sure that I play consistently and perform consistently and do that impact on the scoreboard which gives us a good chance to win the games. And as a captain, I just want to make sure that as a team we play really well and give the freedom to our fellow teammates and make sure that what we did in 2024, we do better than in 2024 and make sure we win more games and perform at the highest level.

Which full-member team do you think the USA can realistically outplay in the T20 WC 2026?

I won't pick one team. We are ready to play and win games against any team which will be playing in the World Cup.

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The USA are placed in Group A, alongside India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia. They begin their campaign on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against India. This is going to be the first match of the 20-team competition.