T20 World Cup: Legendary Australia batter Ricky Ponting has thrown his weight behind out-of-form Australia, who recently faced a crushing 0-3 whitewash at the hands of Pakistan, to reach the top 4 while choosing India as "clear favourites."

Predicting Australia's chances in the upcoming marquee event, Ponting said the Aussies have a "chance as good as anybody" to get their second T20 title. The former Australian skipper also highlighted the "flexibility" within the side due to the presence of many all-rounders.

In the previous edition, which was held in USA and West Indies in 2024, Australia was knocked out at the Super Eights stage following an upset against Afghanistan and a 24-run loss against India.

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Mitchell Marsh Shuts Down Reporter Over India-Pakistan Match Boycott Questions, Says 'Solely Focussed On Winning'

“If you look at the squad, I think they have as good a chance as anybody,” Ponting told host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest edition of The ICC Review.

Ponting tipped India as the favourites to win the T20 World Cup, mentioning their strong squad and home conditions.

“India will probably start as the clear favourites, I think in this event due to conditions, the talent and the group of players that they have put together. They'll be hard to beat but I really do think we will see Australia there come semi-final time," said the former skipper.

Australia will be without its prime bowler Pat Cummins, in the World Cup, as he has been recovering from a lingering back injury and was left out of the final 15-player squad and replaced by left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis.

ALSO READ: DC-W vs GG-W Predicted XI, WPL 2026 Eliminator, Vadodara Pitch Report: Where To Watch Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals Live In India?

“There has been a slight transition around the Australian team. It's not a dramatic one. If you look at the squad that they've named, there's a lot of experience in that squad still. A few guys are injured at the moment or coming back from injury. That's probably the biggest concern that they've got right now," he added.

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.