T20 World Cup 2026: 'Don't wait for the last five-six overs' - Irfan Pathan wants Team India star to bat up the order vs Pakistan

Irfan Pathan urged the Indian team management to let Hardik Pandya bat in the middle overs in their highly-anticipated T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

Hardik batted at No. 7 in India's opening fixture against the USA and only scored five runs off six balls. However, in the subsequent game against Namibia, he moved up to No. 5 and amassed 52 off just 28 deliveries. Pathan suggested that Hardik should be promoted up the order to neutralise Pakistan's spin attack.

"It is important for Hardik to come in the middle overs. You can promote him in the batting order if needed. Don't wait for the last five-six overs. We must use our right-handed batters in the middle overs," Pathan said in his YouTube video.

Pathan opined that the Pakistan bowlers might look to bowl wide outside the off-stump to Kishan. To counter this strategy, the former India all-rounder advised Kishan to take guard on off-stump.

"They will look to bowl outside the off stump to Ishan Kishan. He has to be ready for that. If they are doing that, I would want him to take a middle stump or an off stump guard," he remarked.

The right-handed batters will be very crucial for India: Pathan

Pathan noted that most of the Pakistani spinners tend to take the ball away from the left-handers. Keeping this in mind, Pathan mentioned that right-handers, especially Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik should bat long.

"Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya will have to counter the challenge of Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed. Saim Ayub and Tariq will spin the ball away from left-handed batters, and Abrar also uses the googly quite a lot against them. The right-handed batters will be very crucial for India. It is very important for Surya to bat long," Pathan stated.

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Pathan also mentioned that if Abhishek Sharma can bat for the entirety of the powerplay, he will shatter Pakistan's spirit.

"There will be a lot of pressure on Pakistan here. They are saying things like Abhishek Sharma should play, as it will be a good challenge. But if Abhishek Sharma plays for six overs, he will break the backs of Pakistan," he added.