IND vs USA Dream11 Prediction for 3rd T20 World Cup match at Wankhede. Best team, captain picks, pitch report & fantasy tips for Feb 7, 2026 with latest squad updates.
Introduction
India faces the United States in their opening Group A encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The defending champions India enter the tournament as overwhelming favorites, having won 9 consecutive bilateral T20I series under coach Gautam Gambhir, including a dominant 4-1 victory over New Zealand in January 2026. With a stunning 48-8 win-loss record since October 2023, India’s high-risk, high-reward batting approach has made them the most feared T20I side in world cricket. For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, this match offers multiple captaincy angles and differential picks that could separate the winners from the rest.
Match Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs United States of America |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025/26 |
| Match Number | T20I no. 3686 (3rd Match, Group A) |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Date & Time | February 7, 2026 |
| Format | T20 International (Night Match) |
| Match Start | 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT) |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar |
Pitch Report & Conditions Analysis
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Nature | Batting-friendly, True bounce |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 175-185 |
| Pace vs Spin | 60% Pace, 40% Spin |
| Boundary Dimensions | Short square boundaries (55-60m), Longer straight (70-75m) |
| Powerplay Impact | High – Expect 50-60 runs |
| Death Overs | Pace-off variations crucial |
Fantasy Impact: The Wankhede surface rewards aggressive batters and death-over specialists. Powerplay hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Saiteja Mukkamalla become premium picks. Bowlers with slower-ball variations (Arshdeep Singh, Saurabh Netravalkar) gain importance in the death overs. Spinners might struggle unless they possess boundary-clearing containment skills.
Weather Update
| Parameter | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 26-28°C |
| Humidity | 65-70% |
| Rain Probability | 10% (Clear skies expected) |
| Dew Factor | Moderate to High (Post 8:30 PM) |
Impact: Minimal rain threat ensures a full match. Dew in the second innings could make gripping difficult for spinners and assist teams chasing. Captain winning the toss may prefer bowling first.
Recent Form: Last 5 T20Is
India (Won 4-1 vs New Zealand in January 2026)
- Match 5: Won vs NZ by 46 runs (271/5 vs 225)
- Match 4: Lost to NZ by 9 runs (Visakhapatnam)
- Match 3: Won vs NZ by 8 wickets (155/2 in 10 overs)
- Match 2: Won vs NZ by 7 wickets (209/3 in 15.2 overs)
- Match 1: Won vs NZ by 48 runs (238/7 vs 190/7)
Form: W-L-W-W-W
Key Stats:
- India scored 271/5 in their last match – their third-highest T20I total
- Posted three 200+ totals in five matches vs New Zealand
- Ishan Kishan scored maiden T20I century (103 off 43 balls)
- Arshdeep Singh took maiden five-for (5/51)
- Series run rate: 12.35 (second-best ever in T20Is)
United States
- Defeated Pakistan in famous upset at 2024 T20 World Cup
- Reached Super 8 stage in debut World Cup appearance
- Have been training in Sri Lanka ahead of tournament
- 10 players returning from 2024 World Cup squad
Form: Strong in warm-ups, settled squad
Head-to-Head (H2H) Records
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 1 |
| India Won | 1 |
| USA Won | 0 |
| Last Result | India won by 7 wickets (June 12, 2024) |
| Top H2H Performer (IND) | Suryakumar Yadav |
| Top H2H Performer (USA) | Saiteja Mukkamalla |
India dominated their only previous T20I meeting, chasing down the USA total with 10 balls remaining. Suryakumar Yadav’s tactical batting and Arshdeep Singh’s new-ball prowess were decisive.
Wankhede Stadium Stats
| Factor | Data |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is | 25+ matches |
| Batting 1st Wins | 45% |
| Chasing Wins | 55% |
| Average Powerplay Score | 52-58 |
| Average Death Overs Score | 55-65 (Last 5 overs) |
| Highest T20I Total | 240+ |
Chasing Record at Wankhede:
- Success Rate: 55%
- Dew Factor: Significant post 8 PM
- Spin Performance 2nd Innings: Economy +0.5 runs higher
Teams prefer chasing under lights at Wankhede due to dew making the ball skid on, favoring batters.
Team News & Injury Updates
India
MAJOR UPDATE – Harshit Rana Ruled Out:
- Fast bowler Harshit Rana officially ruled out of T20 World Cup due to knee injury
- Sustained injury during warm-up match vs South Africa on February 4
- Bowled just one over before leaving the field
- Mohammed Siraj expected to replace him in the squad
- Washington Sundar’s fitness still being monitored at BCCI Centre of Excellence
Confirmed Available:
- Full squad fit except Harshit Rana
- Tilak Varma recovered from testicular torsion surgery
- Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy all available
United States
MAJOR UPDATE – Aaron Jones Suspended:
- Star all-rounder Aaron Jones suspended for entire tournament
- Charged with five breaches of ICC anti-corruption code
- Allegations relate to 2023-24 Bim10 tournament in Barbados
- Jones was USA’s key performer at 2024 World Cup (94 vs Canada, 36* vs Pakistan)
- Major blow to USA’s batting depth and middle-order
Confirmed Available:
- Full squad fit and training well in Sri Lanka
- 10 players returning from successful 2024 campaign
- Settled lineup under captain Monank Patel
Probable Playing XI
India Probable XI
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper-Batter) – Recent form: 103* in last match
- Abhishek Sharma (Batter) – World No. 1 T20I batter
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain) (Batter)
- Tilak Varma (Batting All-rounder) – World No. 3 T20I batter
- Shivam Dube (All-rounder)
- Hardik Pandya (All-rounder)
- Rinku Singh (Middle-order Batter)
- Axar Patel (Bowling All-rounder)
- Arshdeep Singh (Bowler)
- Varun Chakravarthy (Bowler) – World No. 1 T20I bowler
- Jasprit Bumrah (Bowler)
Note: Sanju Samson dropped after scoring only 46 runs in five matches vs NZ (10, 6, 0, 24, 6)
USA Probable XI
- Saiteja Mukkamalla (Opening Batter)
- Andries Gous (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Monank Patel (Captain) (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Shayan Jahangir (Batter)
- Milind Kumar (All-rounder)
- Shehan Jayasuriya (Batting All-rounder)
- Harmeet Singh (Bowling All-rounder)
- Shadley van Schalkwyk (All-rounder)
- Nosthush Kenjige (Bowler)
- Saurabh Netravalkar (Bowler)
- Ali Khan (Bowler)
Dream11 Prediction Strategies
Small League Team (Safe Approach)
Objective: High ownership, consistent performers, minimize risk
Recommended Combination: 2 WK, 4 BAT, 2 AR, 3 BOWL
Core Players (80%+ Ownership Expected):
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Saiteja Mukkamalla
- Hardik Pandya
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-Captain: Abhishek Sharma
Strategy: Stack India’s top order with USA’s opening batter. Pick death-over specialists for bowling points.
Grand League Team (Differential Strategy)
Objective: Low ownership picks, high ceiling, counter meta
Recommended Combination: 1 WK, 3 BAT, 3 AR, 4 BOWL
Differential Picks (Sub-20% Ownership):
- Ishan Kishan (WK) – Coming off maiden T20I century
- Tilak Varma – Left-hand advantage, World No. 3 batter
- Shehan Jayasuriya – USA all-rounder
- Nosthush Kenjige – Spin economy
- Jasprit Bumrah – Premium pace option
Captain: Hardik Pandya (Differential)
Vice-Captain: Tilak Varma
Strategy: Fade chalk ownership on Suryakumar. Back USA’s economical bowlers and India’s middle-order firepower.
Player Categories for Team Building
Must-Have Players (Pick 4-5)
- Suryakumar Yadav – Scored 276 runs in recent series vs NZ (Avg 39.43, SR 176.92)
- Abhishek Sharma – World No. 1 T20I batter, 1,297 runs at SR 194.74
- Ishan Kishan – Form of his life: 103* off 43 in last match
- Arshdeep Singh – Maiden five-for in last match, leader of India’s pace attack
- Varun Chakravarthy – World No. 1 T20I bowler, 57 wickets in last 30 matches
Safe Players (Pick 3-4)
- Hardik Pandya – All-round utility, batting + bowling points
- Tilak Varma – World No. 3 T20I batter, recently recovered
- Saiteja Mukkamalla – USA’s top run-getter from 2024
- Axar Patel – Economical all-rounder, 3/33 in last match
Risky Players (Pick 1-2 for GL)
- Jasprit Bumrah – Premium bowler but may be rested
- Monank Patel – USA captain, keeper bonus
- Shehan Jayasuriya – Lower-order hitting potential
- Rinku Singh – Finisher role, chasing specialist
Budget Picks (Under 8.5 Credits)
- Nosthush Kenjige – Economical spinner
- Harmeet Singh – Bowling all-rounder
- Saurabh Netravalkar – Top wicket-taker for USA at 2024 WC
- Shadley van Schalkwyk – All-round utility
Key Player Analysis
Top Batters to Watch
Abhishek Sharma (IND)
Recent stats: 1,297 runs in 37 T20I innings | Avg 37+ | SR 194.74
The World No. 1 T20I batter destroys pace in powerplay, targets short square boundaries at Wankhede. Hit India’s second-fastest T20I fifty (14 balls) vs NZ.
Ishan Kishan (IND)
Recent form: 242 runs in 4 innings vs NZ including maiden T20I century
Coming off career-best 103 off 43 balls. Left-handedness in top order, explosive keeper-batter who can anchor or accelerate.
Suryakumar Yadav (IND)
Recent stats: 276 runs vs NZ | Avg 39.43 | SR 176.92
The 360-degree maestro thrives on true-bounce pitches, exceptional against spin. Three consecutive scores of 30+ showing return to form.
Tilak Varma (IND)
World No. 3 T20I batter
Batting all-rounder role. Left-hander adds balance, accelerates in middle overs. Proved fitness with 38 for India A vs USA in warm-up.
Saiteja Mukkamalla (USA)
USA’s leading opener
Opens the innings, accumulates boundaries, proved himself against India previously in June 2024 encounter.
Top Bowlers to Watch
Arshdeep Singh (IND)
Recent performance: Maiden five-for (5/51) in last match
New-ball swing specialist, yorker execution in death makes him premium bowler pick. India’s leading T20I wicket-taker.
Varun Chakravarthy (IND)
World No. 1 T20I bowler
57 wickets in last 30 matches. Mystery spinner with variations, wicket-taking threat in middle overs.
Jasprit Bumrah (IND)
Premium pace option
3/17 in third T20I vs NZ. Death-over specialist with unplayable yorkers. May be rested but elite when playing.
Saurabh Netravalkar (USA)
Top wicket-taker for USA at 2024 T20 World Cup
Left-arm seamer with new-ball skills, economical option for fantasy teams.
Top All-Rounders to Watch
Hardik Pandya (IND)
All-round impact: 42 off 17 in last match
4+ overs bowling guarantee, late-order hitting ability. Premium all-rounder at Wankhede where he’s excelled.
Axar Patel (IND)
Utility player: 3/33 in last match
Economical left-arm spin, capable batter. Returned to form after missing three matches.
Milind Kumar (USA)
All-rounder with bowling skills
Provides balance to USA lineup, economical bowler who can contribute with bat.
Expert’s Verdict: Captain & Vice-Captain Analysis
Premium Captain Choice: Suryakumar Yadav
The India captain showed excellent return to form vs NZ with three consecutive scores of 30+ including 82* and 63. Against USA-quality bowling on a batting paradise, expect 50+ runs at 170+ strike rate. His match-up against leg-spin and slower balls is elite-tier. Lock him as captain in 70% of your teams.
Explosive Alternative: Abhishek Sharma
World No. 1 T20I batter with astonishing SR of 194.74. Hit India’s second-fastest T20I fifty (14 balls) in recent series. Powerplay specialist on a ground with short boundaries. Recent form shows consistency with multiple big scores.
High-Ceiling Pick: Ishan Kishan
Coming off maiden T20I century (103 off 43). In red-hot form with 242 runs in 4 innings vs NZ. Left-handed keeper-batter who provides unique points. Lower ownership makes him perfect vice-captain in grand leagues.
Differential Captain: Hardik Pandya
The all-round package delivers 30+ runs plus 2+ overs in which he can grab wickets. At 15-20% captaincy ownership, he’s a massive leverage play if he fires. Perfect for grand leagues where you need separation.
Match Prediction & Win Probability
| Team | Win Probability | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 85% | Batting depth, home advantage, world-class spinners, 48-8 record since Oct 2023 | Harshit Rana injury, Washington Sundar fitness doubt |
| USA | 15% | Recent World Cup experience, quality pace attack | Inexperience in high-pressure WC games, Aaron Jones suspension |
Prediction: India’s superior firepower and familiarity with Wankhede conditions give them a dominant edge. Their explosive batting lineup (scoring at 9.69 per over recently) should comfortably handle USA’s bowling. Expect India to post 180+ batting first or chase down any target under 170 within 18 overs.
Toss Impact: Team winning toss likely to bowl first, banking on dew factor in second innings.
Final Dream11 Team (Balanced Approach) IND vs USA Dream11 Prediction
Dream11 Team Composition
Wicketkeepers (1):
- Ishan Kishan
Batters (4):
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Abhishek Sharma (VC)
- Tilak Varma
- Saiteja Mukkamalla
All-Rounders (2):
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
Bowlers (4):
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Saurabh Netravalkar
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-Captain: Abhishek Sharma
Team Credits: 100 (Optimized)
Rationale: This combination balances India’s batting firepower with quality bowling options. Ishan Kishan provides keeper coverage with exceptional recent form. Four bowlers ensure adequate bowling points, while six batting options cover powerplay, middle-overs, and death scenarios. USA representation through Mukkamalla and Netravalkar provides differential value.
Alternative Team Combinations
Aggressive Batting Stack
2 WK – 5 BAT – 1 AR – 3 BOWL
Add Monank Patel, remove one bowler. High-risk strategy betting on high-scoring match.
Bowling-Heavy Defense
1 WK – 3 BAT – 2 AR – 5 BOWL
Add Nosthush Kenjige and Ali Khan. Works if you predict India bowling USA out cheaply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who will win IND vs USA T20 World Cup match?
India holds an 85% win probability based on their dominant recent form (48-8 record since October 2023), home advantage at Wankhede, and superior batting depth. Their last encounter saw India win by 7 wickets comfortably.
Q2: Who are the best Dream11 captain picks for IND vs USA?
Suryakumar Yadav is the safest captain choice with his return to form (276 runs vs NZ). Abhishek Sharma works as vice-captain for powerplay explosiveness (World No. 1 T20I batter). Ishan Kishan offers differential value coming off maiden T20I century.
Q3: Which players should I pick from USA in my Dream11 team?
Saiteja Mukkamalla is a must-have opener with experience against India. Saurabh Netravalkar (top wicket-taker at 2024 WC) provides bowling economy. Milind Kumar’s all-round utility makes him a budget-friendly pick.
Q4: How will the Wankhede pitch behave for this match?
Expect a batting-friendly surface with true bounce favoring stroke-makers. Average first-innings scores range 175-185. Pace bowlers get early movement, but spinners struggle in dew during second innings. Powerplay and death overs see maximum boundaries.
Q5: What are the major injury/suspension updates?
India: Harshit Rana ruled out with knee injury, Mohammed Siraj expected replacement. Washington Sundar fitness being monitored.
USA: Aaron Jones suspended for entire tournament due to corruption charges – major blow to their batting depth.
Q6: What’s a good alternative Dream11 team strategy?
For grand leagues, fade Suryakumar Yadav’s high ownership and captain Ishan Kishan or Abhishek Sharma instead. Stack India’s middle order (Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh). Pick Jasprit Bumrah as differential bowler. This contrarian approach works when favorites underperform slightly but India still wins.
