Irfan Pathan suggests a change in India’s bowling attack for the Namibia match at the 2026 T20 World Cup

As India prepares for their arrival T20 World Cup 2026 meeting in Colombo, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sparked debate with a bold suggestion about the team’s bowling combination. Sharing his thoughts ahead of the match at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium, Pathan believes India need to adjust their strategy and strengthen their spin attack. According to him, conditions in Colombo require a spin-heavy approach and that could mean a reshuffle of the current bowling line-up.

Irfan Pathan mentions a change in India’s XI during the match against Namibia

Pathan pointed out that the slow and gripping nature of Colombo’s pitches makes a strong case for playing three specialist spinners. He feels that alongside Varun and Axar, the left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav should walk into the playing XI.

The 41-year-old suggested India could revisit a formula that worked for them in the 2025 Asia Cup – playing just one pacer in the frontline and relying on bowling all-rounders for extra support. In that model, spearhead Jasprit Bumrah would lead the pace attack, producing valuable overs Hardik Pandya And Shivam Dubey.

Pathan emphasized that India have the luxury of multiple all-round options, allowing them to experiment with combinations without significantly weakening either department.

“What can India do against them? Look, in these circumstances, from my perspective, India should play another spinner. You already have Varun and Axar, but there is definitely a place for Kuldeep Yadav in the playing Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

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Difficult decisions, but tactical necessity

While advocating this spin-heavy strategy, Pathan acknowledged that it would be harsh on in-form pacers such as Mohammed Siraj And Arshdeep Singh if they were left out. Both bowlers have performed consistently and have made crucial breakthroughs in recent tournaments.

Pathan, however, emphasized that the team’s balance and circumstances should take precedence over sentiment. He emphasized that in high-stakes tournaments such as the T20 World Cup, adaptability is key.

He also highlighted that Hardik has previously handled the new ball effectively, while Dube has shown his ability to score key overs up front. With Axar offering control and batting depth, and Kuldeep offering variety in wicket-taking through his wrist turn, India could potentially dominate the middle overs.

“It could be a shame for Siraj, who has performed very well, and also a shame for Arshdeep because of the combination. But you expect Hardik to bowl with the new ball, right? Because you have the luxury of not just one but two or even three all-rounders, Axar and Shivam Dube. Dube has also bowled with the new ball. That’s what I think the Indian team has to do. They have to prepare accordingly.” Pathaan added.

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