India captain Suryakumar Yadav has hinted that Kuldeep Yadav is likely to play in the upcoming match against Pakistan. The high-voltage encounter in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played at the R.K. Stadium in Colombo on Sunday (February 15). It is going to be held at Premadasa Stadium.
The left-arm spinner could not find a place in India’s playing eleven in the first two matches of the tournament. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel were India’s main spinners in both the matches. However, the Men in Blue would be keen to recall Kuldeep Yadav in the playing eleven due to the circumstances in Colombo.
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Historically, the venue has favored spinners due to its two-pace and slick surface. The batsmen generally struggle in Colombo and this is quite evident from the fact that the average first innings score is below 150 runs. On the other hand, the average score of the second innings is just 128.
Kuldeep Yadav will play against Pakistan, Suryakumar Yadav indicated:
With the conditions in Colombo likely to favor spin bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav looks set to be a part of the playing eleven. Speaking to the media before the match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said that the team management picks the team not only based on the conditions but also the matchups.
“This is not bilateral or franchise cricket. You also have to make combinations depending on the matchup.” Suryakumar said.
When asked if this was a sign that Kuldeep Yadav would play, he said: “Do you want him to play? Okay so he will.”
‘We will focus on our strengths’
Speaking further, Suryakumar said that the Indian team is not focusing on the opposition team but only on its own strengths. Even though India will start the match as favourites, Suryakumar made it clear that he is not taking Pakistan lightly, adding that the Green team is playing good cricket.
He also told that Pakistan will have a big advantage in the match as they have already played two matches in Colombo. While India played its first two matches at home, Pakistan played its first two matches in Colombo.
“We have to look at how we are playing. We want to continue that. We will focus on our strengths. Not on how the opposition is performing. Whoever plays better cricket will win the game. That’s the only thing that matters.”
“They (Pakistan) are playing some good cricket, they are playing here so they have a bit of an advantage. But we want to focus on what we have to do and not on them.” Suryakumar said.
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