T20 World Cup 2026: ‘I’d back Kuldeep over Arshdeep’ - Sanjay Bangar on India’s spin plan vs Pakistan

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has opined that India should strengthen their spin-bowling attack for the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan. He urged the team management to include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, even if it means leaving out Arshdeep Singh.

Bangar was asked whether India would be tempted to field three spinners in Colombo and if he sees Kuldeep coming into the side, considering the left-arm wrist-spinner’s impressive record against Pakistan. Kuldeep has taken 94 wickets at an average of 13.74 in 51 T20I innings. Against Pakistan, he has claimed eight wickets in three T20Is at an outstanding average of 9.87.

"I do think that India will beef up their spin attack because when India played Pakistan in the 50-over Champions Trophy, they used four spinners. Going by that, India does feel that the Pakistani batters can have trouble facing spin. I would certainly back the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in place of one of the seamers, and that seamer will have to be Arshdeep Singh," said Bangar on Star Sports.

Former all-rounder gives blunt verdict ahead of IND-PAK game

Also Read

Former all-rounder gives blunt verdict ahead of IND-PAK game

Bangar was also asked whether Jasprit Bumrah should continue to be used in the middle overs and at the death, as was the case against Namibia. He opined that Bumrah is likely to open the bowling against Pakistan. Against Namibia, Bumrah returned figures of 1/20 in his four overs and was brought into the attack only in the seventh over.

"Wherever you utilize Jasprit Bumrah, he is obviously going to add value. However, it's my personal opinion that he could be used right at the start and try and get those early wickets, make those early inroads into the opponents. Wickets in the powerplay do count a lot, more so against bigger opponents like Pakistan. So I am expecting Bumrah to open the bowling against Pakistan," Bangar said.

India and Pakistan will square off in a Group A encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.