Former BCCI selector Kris Srikkanth has suggested changes in India’s playing XI for the upcoming match against Pakistan during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Citing conditions and balance, Srikkanth said spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar should come into the team in place of Rinku Singh.
Rinku has scored just seven runs in two matches in the tournament at an average of 3.50 and strike rate of 35. Sundar is returning from an injury suffered during the ODI series against New Zealand last month. The Tamil Nadu cricketer provides India with an additional bowling option without weakening the batting.
I will play the role of Washington Sundar instead of Rinku Singh – Kris Srikkanth
Chris Srikkanth, while talking on his YouTube channel, said that Washington Sundar should replace Rinku Singh in the playing eleven. He said Sundar can still contribute at number eight and gives India an off-spinner along with a left-arm spinner and a leg spinner.
“I will definitely play Washington Sundar in the playing 11. I will play him in place of Rinku Singh. I will still retain Arshdeep. So I will have six solid bowlers and eight solid batsmen,” Srikkanth said.
He said, “Because Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar can do the same thing at No. 8. If you need to win the match through the No. 8 batsman, Washington Sundar can do that for you. With this lineup, you will have an off-spinner, a left-arm spinner and a leg spinner.”
India can also play Kuldeep Yadav in place of Arshdeep Singh-Chris Srikkanth.
Chris Srikkanth feels that India can bring Kuldeep Yadav in place of Arshdeep Singh and Washington Sundar in place of Rinku Singh. This combination will give India four spinners, two fast bowlers and batting depth at number eight.
“India can also play Kuldeep in place of Arshdeep and include four spinners. If you want to drop Arshdeep Singh then I would play Kuldeep. Then with Dubey there will be four spinners and two medium pacers. With this lineup, there will be batting till No. 8,” Srikkanth said (via the above source).
India has entered the first two matches of the tournament with a strong attack. Axar Patel and Varun Chakraborty took charge of the spin, while Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya took the responsibility of fast bowling.
There is no rule that you have to play only three spinners – Kris Srikkanth
Srikkanth also said that India should not hesitate in fielding four spinners. The former cricketer said that team selection should depend on the surface.
Srikkanth said, “India can play four spinners in these conditions because Pakistan will also play four spinners. So there is nothing wrong in it. There is no rule that you have to play only three spinners.”
“There have to be horses for courses depending on the circumstances. I will not remove Arshdeep, but if he is removed, I will replace him with Kuldeep, while Rinku will be replaced by Washington Sundar.”
For the slow surface and big boundaries in Colombo, Pakistan are again expected to load their XI with five spin options. Meanwhile, India are aiming for their 11th consecutive T20 World Cup win and sixth consecutive T20I win over Pakistan.
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