T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Arshdeep Singh’s yorkers are crucial under pressure’ – Irfan Pathan backs unchanged India XI

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has admitted that while there may be discussions about including Kuldeep Yadav, India should stick with the unchanged XI from their previous game for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash against West Indies. The match is scheduled to take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 1.

Pathan observed that if Kuldeep is brought into the playing XI, Arshdeep Singh would likely have to make way. That, in turn, would leave Jasprit Bumrah carrying the primary pace-bowling responsibility. Considering the balance of the side and the importance of maintaining momentum in the Super Eight stage, Pathan advised the team management to retain the left-arm seamer.

“If we look at the playing combination, you would definitely want to think about Kuldeep Yadav. But if he comes in, Arshdeep would be left out, and then there would be no need to make a change. I feel that under pressure, Arshdeep’s ability to bowl yorkers is very important. If he is not there, Bumrah would be left to bowl alone, and we saw against South Africa with the last over from Hardik Pandya that India could face a bit of trouble.So it is better to back Arshdeep and stick with the same playing XI that was used in the previous match,” said Pathan on his YouTube channel.

Pathan stated that West Indies are capable of giving India a tough fight in the Super Eight clash but believes the contest slightly favours the hosts. He rated the game 55-45 in India’s favour. Looking at the head-to-head record in T20 World Cup history, the two sides have faced each other four times. West Indies hold the edge with three wins, while India have managed just one victory.

“I feel that the West Indies will not let us win this match easily. We will have to work hard. 55-45 in favor of India; let’s hope India wins this tough match,” said Pathan.

Irfan asserted that India’s sixth bowling option continues to be an area of concern in the ongoing World Cup. He pointed out that while Shivam Dube had shown noticeable improvement with the ball last year, he has once again started conceding runs at crucial stages. He suggested that if conditions demand an additional spin option, the team management could consider Abhishek Sharma as an alternative, depending on the pitch and match situation.

“The sixth bowler is a bit of a concern. Shivam Dube has bowled before. He conceded some runs, though there was some improvement until the Asia Cup, but then his graph dipped again. So he will definitely be under a bit of pressure. If not him, then Abhishek Sharma can be the sixth bowling option if required. There needs to be enough strength in their bowling, and even if they do not pick up wickets, it will be very important for India that they quietly bowl well and get through their overs,” said Pathan.

“If there is even a little bit of grip in the pitch, then you should go towards Abhishek Sharma. And if you want to back him, he must use a good length. If the pitch is slightly slow, then Shivam Dube can also do the job of the sixth bowler again for one or two overs,” he added.