countdown to t20 world cup 2026 Well and truly underway, expectations are high as the global showpiece is set to begin on February 7 India And Sri Lanka. With flat pitches, quick outfields and packed stadiums in subcontinental conditions, the tournament is expected to be a festival of fearless batting and high-octane cricket. Fans are already discussing which teams will rise to the occasion and more importantly, which individuals will define the tournament with match-winning performances. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen He believes that this mega event will be shaped by courageous youngsters who are not afraid to take over the game from the first ball.
Kevin Pietersen names two stars who will make a splash in T20 World Cup 2026
Speaking at an ICC promotional event, Pietersen named two explosive batsmen who he feels can make a big mark in the 2026 edition – South Africa’s. dewald brevis and India’s Abhishek Sharma.
Pietersen heaped praise on Brewis, pointing to his recent SA20 innings pretoria capitals Which displayed maturity beyond his years. When his team’s score was 7 for 5, Brewis batted deep, relieved the pressure and took his team to a competitive total of 143. According to Peterson, this innings could prove to be a turning point in Brewis’ career. Often labeled a “one-trick pony” for his six-hitting ability, the South African youngster demonstrated composure, game awareness and adaptability – qualities that are invaluable in World Cup cricket. Pietersen said innings like this silence the critics and underline Brewis’s development as a complete T20 batsman.
“Brevis played another incredible innings again last night. A few days ago, I was calling a game in Johannesburg where his team, Pretoria Capitals, led by (Sourav) Ganguly, were struggling. They were seven for five (in the fifth over) and Brevis went (in) and batted for 15 overs and they reached a winning total of 140 or 150 (143/6). (Now) that’s something that Brewis has always been criticized for. He’s just standing there and trying to hit six. I said in the commentary, that’s down to him, just because I’m watching him a lot at the moment.” Peterson said.
Meanwhile, Abhishek was full of praise for Pietersen’s innings, which he described as one of the best T20 innings he has ever seen. Recalling Abhishek’s sensational knock of 135 off 54 balls against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Pietersen revealed how he had personally congratulated the young Indian after the match. Thirteen sixes, fearless strokeplay and complete dominance of a quality bowling attack convinced Pietersen that Abhishek was not just a talent, but a “proper star” made for the biggest stage.
“Abhishek Sharma. I mean, God. I remember when Abhishek scored 150 (135 off 54 balls; seven fours, 13 sixes) against England, remember last year at the Wankhede Stadium? We were watching it and (when) he came and we interviewed him after the game. I just put my hand on his shoulder and I said, ‘Young man, this is the best T20 innings I have ever seen in international cricket. Is.’ That kid is a proper star,” Pietersen added.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026: Michael Clarke reveals his choice for the final ‘dark horse’
Youth are ready to shine in this mega event
Pietersen’s choice reflects a wider trend ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 – the rise of fearless youngsters in teams. Almost every team has players similar to Abhishek and Brewis: batsmen who play with freedom, support their boundaries, and thrive under pressure. In modern T20 cricket, youth brings innovation, unpredictability and a refreshing lack of burden, all of which can turn a game on its head.
With India and Sri Lanka providing conditions that reward both power and skill, the tournament is expected to be a launchpad for many rising stars. While seasoned campaigners will still make their point, it’s the young guns who are likely to set the pace, light up the scoreboard and capture imaginations.
Also read: Before T20 World Cup 2026, Irfan Pathan described the perfect batting slot for Suryakumar Yadav.