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As India gear up for their upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 encounter in Colombo, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sparked debate with a bold suggestion regarding the team’s bowling combination. Sharing his thoughts ahead of the clash at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium, Pathan believes India should tweak their strategy and strengthen their spin attack. According to him, the conditions in Colombo demand a spin-heavy approach, and that could mean reshuffling the current bowling line-up.
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Pathan pointed out that the slow and gripping nature of Colombo pitches makes a strong case for playing three specialist spinners. He feels that alongside Varun and Axar, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav should walk into the playing XI.
The 41-year-old suggested that India could revisit a formula that worked for them during the 2025 Asia Cup — playing just one frontline pacer while relying on seam-bowling all-rounders for additional support. In that model, spearhead Jasprit Bumrah would lead the pace attack, with valuable overs coming from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.
Pathan emphasized that India have the luxury of multiple all-round options, which allows them to experiment with combinations without significantly weakening either department.
“What can India do against them? Look, in these conditions, from where I see it, India should play one more spinner. You already have Varun and Axar, but there is definitely a place for Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. It could mean that Bumrah plays, and alongside him Hardik and Shivam Dube handle the pace bowling, something we saw recently in the Asia Cup. The team might go back to that template, and in my opinion, they should,” said Pathan on his YouTube channel.
Tough calls but tactical necessity
While advocating for this spin-heavy strategy, Pathan acknowledged that it would be harsh on in-form pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh if they were left out. Both bowlers have been consistent performers and have delivered crucial breakthroughs in recent tournaments.
However, Pathan insisted that team balance and conditions should take priority over sentiment. He stressed that in high-stakes tournaments like the T20 World Cup, adaptability is key.
He also highlighted that Hardik has previously handled the new ball effectively, while Dube has shown he can chip in with important overs upfront. With Axar providing control and batting depth, and Kuldeep offering wicket-taking variety through his wrist spin, India could potentially dominate the middle overs.
“It could be unfortunate for Siraj, who has performed very well, and also unfortunate for Arshdeep because of the combination. But you expect Hardik to bowl with the new ball, don’t you? Because you have the luxury of not just one but two or even three all-rounders, Axar and Shivam Dube. Dube has also bowled with the new ball. In my view, that’s what the Indian team should do. They should prepare accordingly,” added Pathan.
