Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a striking statement about Australia’s preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, following their defeat in the fourth game of the five-match T20I series against India on Thursday, November 6, at Carrara Oval in Queensland.
Australia, chasing 168, were bowled out for just 119 in 18.2 overs, succumbing to a 48-run loss. After the game, during a discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin shared his insights on the pitch conditions and how they might affect Australia in future tournaments.
**Ashwin Highlights Australia’s Struggles on Slow Pitches**
Speaking about the ongoing T20I series, Ashwin pointed out that the pitches have been on the slower side, a condition which he feels has favored India more than the hosts.
> “We had said that the fixture that Australia has set for the T20 series has suited India more than anybody else because in all these places, the ball comes a little slower, and even when you go to Brisbane, you will see that the ball comes a little slower. Obviously, the Ashes are coming, so I don’t think they will give you a Test match pitch. So the pitch will come a little slower, and Australia is going to find it hard.”
The 39-year-old spinner further asserted that although Australia is often considered a powerful team, they could struggle during the 2026 T20 World Cup, especially if the wickets are slow or offer turn—much like what was seen in the fourth T20I.
> “Many people, after previewing and looking at the team a bit, are saying that Australia’s team is very strong, very powerful for the upcoming World Cup, but if the wicket comes a little slower, sticks a little, or turns a little, the performance we saw today is the kind of performance you might end up seeing from Australia even at the World Cup.”
Looking ahead to the tournament, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka, Ashwin raised concerns about the pitch conditions, suggesting that a slow or sticky wicket could put India in the driver’s seat.
> “But how will the wickets be in February-March? Will they stay a bit fresh, will there be dew? Dew maybe will not be late. So keeping all these factors in mind, Australia’s power batting is definitely a risk, but if the wicket comes a little sticky, India is going to be in the driver’s seat,” he added.
**India Take Lead in Series with Clinical Performance**
India’s victory in the fourth T20I gave them a 2-1 lead, with one game remaining. Batting first, Shubman Gill top-scored with 46 off 39 balls, helping India post a total of 167/8 in their 20 overs. In reply, Australia were 84/3 after 11 overs, but the Indian bowlers launched a stunning comeback, eventually bowling out the hosts for 119.
**Ashwin Praises Dube, Questions Maxwell’s Approach**
In the same video, Ashwin lauded Shivam Dube for taking two quick wickets that turned the match in India’s favor, while also questioning Glenn Maxwell’s tactical decisions.
> “Even today, Australia were in a good position, but when Dube got that double break, especially off Tim David. The last match, I had prepared a bit, and his improvement in batting, especially against spin, has been remarkable. His wicket was then taken by Dube.”
Ashwin continued,
> “From there on, Australia were definitely going to catch up, and with so much experience, I know Glenn Maxwell is a dangerous player, playing a match after a long time, but as he took on Varun and got bowled, the game completely got closed. I was very surprised to see some of the experienced Australian batters make mistakes, but India was nevertheless absolutely brilliant.”
**Looking Ahead**
The two teams will face off in the final T20I of the series on Saturday, November 8, at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of the India-Australia T20I series and the road to T20 World Cup 2026.
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*Edited by Dev Sharma.*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-going-find-hard-indian-legend-s-massive-claim-australia-s-t20-world-cup-2026-preparations