On the eve of the highly-anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the media, giving fans a glimpse of Team India’s plans while keeping certain suspense alive. SKY confirmed that star opener Abhishek Sharma, recovering from a stomach illness, will return to the playing XI. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav is also expected to feature, with Yadav teasing the media about team selection in his usual cheeky style.
Despite the intense rivalry, SKY remained tight-lipped about whether India would shake hands with Pakistan at the toss, saying, “We'll see about the handshake. Wait for 24 hours.” The captain emphasized focusing on India’s strengths rather than the opposition, stating, “Whoever plays better cricket will win the game. That's the only thing that matters.” He acknowledged the pressure of an India-Pakistan encounter, noting that while it’s “just another game,” human nature ensures added tension in such high-stakes matches.
On India’s batting struggles in the tournament so far, SKY admitted, “We had a scratchy start… no excuse. But we managed to cover it well. That’s the beauty of T20 cricket.” Addressing concerns about Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s unorthodox action, Yadav insisted that the team is well-prepared and won’t be intimidated, calling him a “different character.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha maintained a positive outlook, urging the match to be played “in good spirits” despite recent boycott controversies. He admitted Pakistan’s poor record against India in World Cups but expressed hope for a strong performance. Agha also dismissed concerns about Babar Azam’s form and Usman Tariq’s action, calling every player in his team “equal” and labeling Tariq their “trump card.”
With weather uncertainties looming over Colombo and drizzle in the forecast, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between the subcontinent’s fiercest rivals, with fans eagerly awaiting fireworks both on and off the field.
