T20 World Cup 2026: 3 changes India should make for their next match
India may fine-tune selection and tactics after lessons learned from their opening win.
3. Using Hardik Pandya with the new ball in powerplay
The third adjustment could be a tactical rethink with the new ball. With Bumrah returning, India can revert to their preferred strategy of opening the bowling with Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. Pandya has enjoyed success in the powerplay, using movement and bounce to strike early. It also reduces early pressure on Bumrah while spreading wicket-taking threats across the first six overs consistently and effectively.
Bumrah can then be held back to close the powerplay in the sixth over, maximising his versatility across phases. This approach extracts more value from Pandya’s skill with the new ball while preserving Bumrah for key moments. It reflects a smarter distribution of resources rather than a reactive change.
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