Italy cricket's historic qualification for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup - co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka—has instilled fresh ambition in captain Joe Burns, a former Australia Test opener. After leading Italy to a second-place finish in the Europe Regional Final, Burns declared he would “love to be playing India in the first game in India” once they secure their spot in the main event.

The Azzurri's journey was nothing short of sensational. Under Burns’ meticulous leadership - complete with training camps in Rome and the UK - the team overcame stronger European sides, including an upset win over Scotland, to seal their debut World Cup berth.

Burns, who switched allegiance in tribute to his late brother Dominic by adopting jersey number 85, emphasized preparation as the team's cornerstone. “I don’t care if we’re playing Luxembourg … or India in a World Cup Final. I just want us to be the most prepared team in world cricket,” he told ICC Digital.

As Italy gears up for its World Cup debut, Burns' bold hope to face India in India highlights both their ambition and desire to gain experience on cricket's grandest stage.