Hardik Pandya’s role looks absolutely crucial in India’s setup, and Irfan Pathan has described him as one of the biggest pillars of the team’s balance ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Hardik Pandya is a match-winner, and his all-round ability gives India additional depth in both batting and bowling.
Hardik Pandya: India’s key all-round pillar for T20 World Cup 2026
Being in the playing eleven, the Indian cricket team can afford to play an extra batsman or bowler depending on the conditions, and this flexibility will be a luxury for the team in the T20 World Cup 2026 starting from February 7 at home and in Sri Lanka.
Recently, Pathan said that India is lucky to have more than one quality all-rounder, but Hardik is different because he can bat at any position and bowl at crucial stages. Along with Axar Patel, he helps keep the middle order stable while providing reliable bowling options.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya, the most hated indispensable man: Why India can’t win T20 World Cup 2026 without him
Shivam Dube further strengthens the T20I setup, but Hardik’s impact and importance outweighs these stars. The star all-rounder has played key performances in India’s recent ICC title triumphs, including the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean and the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE.
Hardik Pandya gives India flexibility and strength: Irfan Pathan
His ability to handle pressure, contribute in multiple departments and step up in big moments makes him central to India’s T20 World Cup 2026 plans.
RevSportz quoted Irfan Pathan as saying: “Absolutely. Not many teams have three quality all-rounders. Two all-rounders in Hardik and Axar Patel who can bat at any position. In the Asia Cup final, we have seen that Shivam Dubey can bowl the new ball as well. So overall, having three all-rounders makes things a lot easier for the captain and the coach.”
Kuldeep Yadav’s form is a matter of concern before the T20 World Cup 2026.
Meanwhile, with the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, Kuldeep Yadav’s recent form has become a topic of discussion, but Pathan is not too worried. The wrist spinner has looked a bit weak in recent games due to technical changes. His release point has decreased, and his bowling has become flatter, reducing his natural flow and turn.
Because of this, it has become easier for the batsmen to line him up. In the ODI series against New Zealand, he was the target of all the batsmen and could take only three wickets in three matches. With four wickets in three matches, his T20 numbers have also dipped in 2026.
Also read: Why is Ishan Kishan winning the race to make Abhishek Sharma his partner ahead of Sanju Samson in T20 World Cup 2026?
Irfan Pathan is confident that Kuldeep Yadav can make a comeback
Despite the decline in form, Irfan Pathan is not worried about Kuldeep’s skill and ability. He believes that the left-arm spinner has the skill and experience to handle this phase. According to Irfan, the tough phase that Kuldeep faced at the beginning of his career actually helped him become a more mature bowler.
Irfan feels Kuldeep is still India’s biggest spin weapon for the T20 World Cup 2026, but suggested that the wrist spinner just needs to pay a little attention to the fundamentals and a mental approach can easily set things right.
The former Indian all-rounder said, “Kuldeep, in terms of skill, I am not worried. If I were his bowling coach, I would pay special attention to his bowling angle and what is going on in his mind. The phase where he struggled changed Kuldeep into a more mature Kuldeep. He changed the angle of his run-up, his pace increased, his turn became sharper and he got a lot of confidence. So, when things are a bit up and down, there is a bit of a revisit. Doing it gets the job done.”
