As India prepares for their upcoming t20 world cup 2026 Compete in Colombo, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan Has sparked debate by making a bold suggestion regarding the team’s bowling combination. Prestigious R. Sharing his thoughts ahead of the clash at the Premadasa Stadium, Pathan believes India should change their strategy and strengthen their spin attack. According to him, the conditions in Colombo demand a spin-heavy approach, and that could mean shuffling the current bowling line-up.
Irfan Pathan announces changes in India’s playing eleven for Namibia match
Pathan pointed out that the slow and entertaining nature of the Colombo pitches makes a strong case for playing three specialist spinners. He believes that Varun and Axar are good left-arm wrist spinners as well. -Kuldeep Yadav Should come in the playing eleven.
The 41-year-old suggested that India could rethink the formula that worked for them during the 2025 Asia Cup – playing just one frontline pacer while relying on seam-bowling all-rounders for added support. In that model, spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, with valuable overs coming hardik pandya And Shivam Dubey.
Pathan emphasized that India have the luxury of multiple all-round options, which allows them to experiment with combinations without diluting any department.
“What can India do against them? Look, in these circumstances, from where I see it, India should play another spinner. You already have Varun and Axar, but there is definitely room for Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. That could mean playing Bumrah, and along with him Hardik and Shivam Dubey will handle the fast bowling, something we saw in the recent Asia Cup. The team can go back to that template, and in my opinion, They should do this,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
Tough call but strategic necessity
While advocating this spin-heavy strategy, Pathan admitted that it would be harsh on the in-form pacers Mohammad Siraj And Arshdeep Singh If they were released. Both the bowlers have been performing consistently and have delivered significant successes in recent tournaments.
However, Pathan insisted that team balance and conditions should be given priority over emotions. He stressed that adaptability is important in a high-risk tournament like the T20 World Cup.
He also highlighted that Hardik has handled the new ball effectively at first, while Dubey has shown that he can bowl important overs first. With Axar providing control and batting depth and Kuldeep providing wicket-taking variety through his wrist spin, India can potentially dominate the middle overs.
“It may be unfortunate for Siraj, who has done very well, and also unfortunate for Arshdeep because of the combination. But you expect Hardik to bowl with the new ball, right? Because you have not just one but two or three all-rounders, Axar and Shivam Dube. Dube has bowled with the new ball as well. In my view, that is what the Indian team should do. They should prepare accordingly.” Added Pathan.
