'Something they will be wary of' - Legendary spinner warns Suryakumar Yadav's India ahead of Pakistan clash

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over India’s ability to handle quality spin bowling ahead of their high-voltage ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan. His remarks came after observing India’s recent outing against Namibia, where the associate side put up a disciplined bowling effort, particularly their skipper Gerhard Erasmus.

Ashwin was quick to acknowledge Namibia’s performance, highlighting the context in which associate nations operate and the lack of regular exposure they receive at the highest level. 

"I want to appreciate Namibia the way they restricted India to 210. It was a massive achievement. They dont get a lot of exposure throughout the year. We cant fault Namibia. But this was yet another match practice for India. But the skill that Gerhard Erasmus showed, it is something India will be wary of, because against Pakistan, we will have to play four spinners. So my biggest concern is how they will play some of these Pakistan spinners. There are some doubts in my mind about this now," he said on his Youtube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’.

Erasmus finished with impressive figures of 4/20, creating a brief phase of pressure during India’s innings. Ashwin believes that performance holds relevance when viewed through the lens of India’s upcoming challenge, especially with Pakistan expected to field a spin-heavy attack.

Pakistan boast a formidable spin lineup featuring Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, and Shadab Khan, with Saim Ayub also capable of contributing as an additional spin option. Conditions in Colombo are expected to further amplify their impact.

Looking ahead to the contest at the R Premadasa Stadium, Ashwin pointed out that the venue does not necessarily reward brute power and demands smarter batting. He stressed the importance of strike rotation on a large ground where boundaries are not always easy to come by.

"India did struggle a bit against spin. It is some food or thought on how to handle spinners. Premadasa is a big stadium and they will have to take ones and twos, need not necessarily be a six-hitting ground," he said.

Pakistan’s spinners head into the game in strong form, having delivered a collective impact in their previous outing against the USA. With Usman claiming three wickets, Shadab picking up two, and both Nawaz and Abrar chipping in, Ashwin’s caution comes as a timely reminder that India’s batters may need patience, adaptability, and game awareness rather than just power to navigate the challenge.