India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match: India could make a few changes to their playing XI for Sunday’s high-stakes Group A match against Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Both teams have won two matches each in the 20-team tournament, and the winner will become the first from the group to advance to the Super 8s.
Spin bowler Kuldeep Yadav is likely to return to the side, which could mean one or both of Rinku Singh and Arshdeep Singh sit out. Rinku has struggled with the bat in the tournament so far, while Arshdeep had a quiet outing against Namibia in Delhi on Thursday.
All-rounder Washington Sundar, who last played for India on January 11 against New Zealand in Vadodara, is also available. His inclusion would provide an extra spin option and strengthen the batting line-up.
Abhishek Sharma missed the match against Namibia, and his fitness for the Pakistan game remains uncertain. He is, however, travelling with the team If fit, Sharma could replace Sanju Samson and open with Ishan Kishan. Otherwise, Samson is likely to retain his spot after scoring 22 off eight balls against Namibia.
India’s likely playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Pakistan: Sanju Samson (subject to Abhishek Sharma’s fitness), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah
