T20 World Cup 2026: ‘You must give Kuldeep game time’ – Mohammad Kaif urges India to back wrist-spinner ahead of Pakistan clash

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has shared his thoughts on India’s team combination ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Namibia. The Men in Blue began their campaign with a victory over the United States of America in the tournament opener and will now look to build further momentum.

Kaif believes that wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the playing XI for the February 12 encounter. He emphasised the importance of giving Kuldeep valuable match time before India’s high-profile clash against Pakistan in Colombo. With Washington Sundar back in the squad, Kaif questioned the balance of fielding an additional all-rounder who would bat as low as No. 9.

“I think you must give Kuldeep game time. If India want to win the World Cup, leg-spinners pick wickets, and Kuldeep is proven. Before the game against Pakistan, give Kuldeep game time. You have batting till eight anyway. So, Sundar coming in at number nine is of no use,” said Kaif on YouTube.

“Between the two, Kuldeep is way ahead in bowling. Unless Sundar plays at number eight, I don’t see him in the XI. I think Kuldeep can contribute more, so give him an opportunity. In Premadasa you will have back spinners and you want him to play against Pakistan,” he added.

Kaif also endorsed India’s strategy of extending their batting depth to No. 8, highlighting how it proved decisive in their win over the USA. The Men in Blue found themselves in trouble at 77/6 before Axar Patel, batting at No. 8, forged a crucial 41-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav.

“Axar batted at eight in the last game. We won the game from his partnership with Surya. Surya scored later yes, but that partnership is showing again that batting at number eight is crucial. You need batting at number eight and this has been proven now. I agree with that strategy,” said Kaif.

Kaif suggested that India’s batting order is likely to remain largely unchanged from the previous match. However, with Abhishek Sharma expected to miss the Namibia clash due to a stomach illness, Sanju Samson could partner Ishan Kishan at the top of the order.

He also noted that there will be added responsibility on players like Rinku Singh, who is featuring in his first T20 World Cup. Additionally, Kaif proposed that Hardik Pandya could be promoted slightly up the batting order to provide greater stability.

“Sanju, Ishan, Tilak, Suryakumar, Axar can come in at eight. Dube is also an option there. This is a big event for Rinku as well. This is not bilateral or IPL, so pressure is there. But I think the order might be the same. Hardik can come at six too, I feel he should get to play at least five overs,” said Kaif.

“A lot of people forget that this is the World Cup. Abhishek is playing his first World Cup. It was the first time for Surya as captain, and Ishan was coming back. Apart from some guys, many are playing for the first time and coming back as well. Varun was also out and then came back. Minnows have a lot of unknown factors. You may not have played certain players before. This is a different tournament and has different pressure,” he added.

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