T20 World Cup 2026: 5 Players who are out of form ahead of the tournament

Here’s a balanced look at five batters whose recent white-ball form hasn’t quite matched expectations heading into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. These aren’t speculative hits on reputations, but they’re based on measurable trends from recent T20 matches, franchise cricket and international outings. For sides that want depth and consistency, dipping form from these key players is worth watching.

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1. Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has long been one of India’s most exciting batters, capable of match-turning innings when timing clicks. But his recent form has fluctuated. He hasn’t dominated consistently in the recent matches when he got into the side after keeping Gill out despite starring moments in earlier seasons. 

Although he remains in India’s T20 World Cup squad, his T20I average (around 24.37) and relatively sporadic high scores suggest he hasn’t been a fully reliable impact player lately. Samson’s talent isn’t in doubt, with three T20I centuries and a match-winning knack are part of his résumé, but what matters in T20 World Cups is consistency at the highest level. India will need him to convert starts into big contributions, not just show flashes of brilliance.

2. Will Jacks

Will Jacks remains a high-ceiling batter whose power and multi-role ability are valuable in T20s. But his recent T20 form hasn’t lived up to that potential. In 2025, his output in T20 matches was limited, with very modest run totals and few significant contributions, particularly in international fixtures. Available data from recorded T20 stats shows Jacks was largely quiet with the bat in limited overs, failing to produce big scores or maintain a high strike-rate, which is a sign he’s yet to find a consistent T20I rhythm ahead of the World Cup.

That lack of heavy runs, especially in representative or franchise matches, means England can’t rely on him as a guaranteed match-winner, even though his talent is unquestioned. When Jacks clicks, he can dominate and when he doesn’t, his innings fade quickly.

3. Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell’s reputation as a brutal T20 hitter precedes him, and his overall career numbers remain strong. But recent detailed statistics from 2025 show that when he’s turned out for various T20 franchises, his impact has dipped compared with his peak years. Modest run tallies and middling consistency suggest a player working to regain sharpness.

Maxwell’s value isn’t just about stats, but his X-factor power can change games. Still, in a World Cup where small nations and big teams will exploit any vulnerability, Australia will want him closer to his best more often than not.

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4. Devon Conway

Devon Conway has been a pivotal top-order batter for New Zealand across formats. But while his career T20 average remains respectable, his recent match output hasn’t always shifted games. He hasn’t produced glaring big scores in the latest international T20 ledger, and New Zealand will need his usual steady rhythm and positive intent if they are to go deep in the World Cup.

In slanted subcontinental conditions, pressure in the middle overs will demand higher scoring consistency. A subdued Conway might leave his team searching for impetus when other batters fail.

5. Babar Azam

Babar Azam remains one of the most important figures in Pakistan's line-up, but he has been nothing short of a past player in this format now. His recent run in the Big Bash League 2025–26 drew criticism for slower strike rates and missed opportunities, including innings where he scored just one run in limited matches, which is a sign that teams began to question his tempo in shorter formats.

Heading into the World Cup, Pakistan’s fortunes will be closely tied to how Babar balances anchoring innings with the exploding scoring rates modern T20 demands.

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