India and Pakistan are set to renew their iconic rivalry in the T20 World Cup 2026 with selection debates and tactical calls taking centre stage ahead of the high-stakes Group A match in Colombo on Sunday. With spin-friendly conditions expected at the R. Premadasa Stadium, all eyes are on whether wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will make it into India’s playing XI for the marquee encounter.
The much-anticipated clash comes amid intense discussions over team combinations, weather concerns and pitch behaviour in the Sri Lankan capital, where humidity and possible rain interruptions could shape match strategy.
Spin to dominate at Premadasa
The Premadasa surface is historically known to assist spinners, especially in evening games where moisture can grip the pitch. Teams are expected to lean heavily on slow bowlers and variations rather than raw pace.
Pakistan are likely to stick with a spin-heavy approach, with mystery spinner Usman Tariq emerging as a key talking point in the build-up. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan are also expected to play crucial roles as Pakistan aim to exploit turning conditions.
India, meanwhile, face a major selection dilemma in balancing their bowling attack. With Pakistan’s batting lineup featuring several left-handers, the case for including Kuldeep Yadav has grown stronger.
Kuldeep’s case strengthens
Kuldeep Yadav’s record against Pakistan and his ability to extract turn on slow surfaces could make him a decisive weapon for India. Team management is reportedly considering adding the left-arm wrist-spinner to counter Pakistan’s middle order.
If Kuldeep is included, India may opt to bench left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh to maintain balance in the bowling unit. The combination of Kuldeep, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy could give India a formidable spin trio suited for Colombo conditions.
Boost for India’s top order
India’s batting unit has received a timely boost with Abhishek Sharma declared fit after recovering from a recent illness. He is expected to return to the opening slot alongside Ishan Kishan.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav will anchor the middle order, supported by Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and power-hitters like Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh. The team management is likely to prioritise flexibility and depth given the unpredictable weather and pitch.
Pakistan banking on balanced attack
Pakistan are expected to field a strong lineup featuring Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan in the batting department, with all-round options like Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf providing balance.
Their bowling attack will revolve around Shaheen Afridi’s pace upfront and spin options through Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq in the middle overs.
Head-to-head and stakes
India hold a dominant 7-1 record over Pakistan in T20 World Cup history, adding psychological advantage ahead of the contest. However, both teams are eyeing crucial points in Group A as the race for Super 8 qualification intensifies.
With weather uncertainty, spin-friendly conditions and intense rivalry in play, team selections — particularly Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion — could prove decisive in determining the outcome of this blockbuster clash.
Predicted Playing XI
India Predicted XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav.
Pakistan Predicted XI:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Salman Ali Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
Full Squads
India Squad:
Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.
Pakistan Squad:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Khawaja Nafay.
