less than a month left ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 starts in India And Sri Lankaformer allrounder Irfan Pathan Have chosen a young star as the most important component of the Indian batting lineup. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan stressed that the star batsman’s ability to handle an innings makes him his spiritual successor. Virat KohliRole in shortest format.
The comments come as the Men in Blue are finalizing their combination for the marquee event amid concerns over the form of the senior players and a race against time to regain full fitness.
Irfan Pathan chosen glue of Indian team for T20 World Cup 2026
Pathan didn’t mince words when describing the importance of the 23-year-old left-hander. Pathan believes that in a lineup full of aggressive stroke makers Tilak Verma Provides the stability needed to prevent collapse, a role Kohli first learned.
“From a batting perspective, Tilak Verma is extremely important and he is the pivot of the team. Tilak has batted at No. 3 and No. 4. He has handled the pressure and scored centuries. This is the kind of role that Virat Kohli used to play.” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
Also read: 3 players who can replace Tilak Verma in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad if he misses out
Echoes of Asia Cup 2025 final
To warrant his high praise, Pathan pointed to Tilak’s match-winning performance in the Asia Cup final last year. The Hyderabad-born batsman produced a mature performance under immense pressure against arch-rivals Pakistan and led India to a memorable title win when the top order faltered.
“Tilak also played a brilliant inning against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final and had it not been for that inning, India would not have won. In this regard, Tilak has raised his stock sharply,” Added Pathan.
Also read: Irfan Pathan explains why KL Rahul’s presence at No. 6 matters for India in ODIs
