'Have struggled against unorthodox spinners' – Former all-rounder fires warning for India ahead of Pakistan clash

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over India’s long-standing struggles against unorthodox spin bowling following their win over Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage encounter. Despite a convincing result on the scoreboard, Pathan felt there were warning signs for the defending champions, particularly with tougher challenges ahead.

India posted a commanding total of 209 in their 20 overs, but Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus caused notable discomfort with his unusual side-arm action. Bowling with clever variations in length and trajectory, Erasmus finished with figures of 4-0-20-4, dismissing Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel. 

Pathan drew parallels between Erasmus’ impact and the problems India have faced historically against bowlers with unconventional actions. He pointed out that such bowlers have often troubled even India’s best batters, especially when conditions offer grip and turn.

"If we see the negatives, Abhishek Sharma's absence is a worry. Abhishek's presence is crucial but even when he returns, the game time he gets will be less. Secondly, India's struggle against spin is worrying. Historically, India have struggled against unorthodox spinners. Ajantha Mendis had troubled India when he first emerged and troubled even the best batters. In this game, Erasmus took four wickets. He bowled with a high release point and with front arm. Erasmus wasn't bowling the carrom ball but only utilised the finger spin. He was off-beat and went on to take four scalps," Pathan said in a video as quoted by sportskeeda

Pathan further stressed that India must adapt better to conditions where the ball grips and turns, referencing their recent struggles against South Africa in the home Test series, which they lost 0-2. According to him, these issues are not limited to red-ball cricket and can resurface in white-ball formats as well.

"Suryakumar Yadav lost his wicket to a left-arm spinner and struggled as the ball turned slightly. Spinners got five batters out and it means we must concentrate on playing spin well. India struggled against South Africa's spinners in the Test series. When the ball grips, they don't play that well even in white-ball cricket. They must focus on that. There was slight turn on offer and India must focus on improving their skill," the all-rounder quoted.

Despite the concerns around spin, Pathan also highlighted a positive takeaway from the match in Sanju Samson’s approach at the top of the order. Although Samson scored only 22 off eight deliveries, Pathan felt the wicketkeeper-batter showed clarity of thought and technical adjustment.

"Sanju Samson's batting was also a positive. If a batter comes back after being dropped, the first scoring shot is often a single. But his first scoring shot was a six and hit two more. Samson's mindset seems clear and he is playing with a straight bat. He also hit a shot over cover and that only happens if a batter keeps the bat straight for longer. If Abhishek Sharma is not fit, Sanju Samson should continue to open the innings," he added.

Eventually, India bundled Namibia out for 116, sealing a comprehensive victory as all the bowlers contributed with at least one wicket. The Men in Blue will next travel to Colombo to face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, February 15. Suryakumar Yadav and his men will take confidence from their recent record against Pakistan, having beaten them three times in the Asia Cup 2025, including the final.