Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson dropped from Playing XI for India vs Pakistan match; Kuldeep Yadav IN

The India National Cricket Team is all set to make bold changes for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Sunday (February 15). Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma are returning to the playing XI.

Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson dropped! India to make bold changes for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash

As reported by the Indian Express, the star Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will be dropped from the side, and they will be replaced by Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma, respectively, in the playing XI against Pakistan.

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The Colombo pitch is known to help spinners, and the long boundaries make it even tougher for batters. Given that the Indian team management wants an extra spinner to control the middle overs. Kuldeep loves troubling Pakistan.

The wrist-spinner has already given their middle order a taste of his magic. In the Asia Cup 2025, Kuldeep played a key role in India lifting the trophy in the UAE. He played three matches against them and picked up eight wickets, including four wickets in the final.

He averaged 9.87 with an economy rate of 6.58 against Pakistan, and the defending champions yet again trust the Chinaman bowler to do it again in Colombo.

Abhishek Sharma to return for India vs Pakistan clash

At the top of the batting order, Abhishek will retain his position after recovering from a stomach infection and will partner with Ishan Kishan, which means Samson will warm the bench in the high-voltage game between India and Pakistan in Colombo.

In the pre-match press conference, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has already confirmed that Abhishek Sharma will return to the XI. The young opener missed the Men in Blue’s last Group A match against Namibia in New Delhi, and his absence was clearly noticed despite their winning the match.

After the captain’s announcement, Abhishek trained hard in the nets. He looked focused and ready for the big game against Pakistan. So far, the left-handed batter has played three T20I games against Pakistan and scored 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and an explosive strike rate of 189.65.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah handed help by Irfan Pathan to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan in India vs Pakistan clash

IND vs PAK match under cloud as rain threat grows

Meanwhile, both the India and Pakistan teams arrive with confidence. The defending champions crushed the USA and then hammered Namibia by 93 runs in their first two group matches. On the other hand, Pakistan survived a tight scare against the Netherlands and later beat the USA in style.

However, India has dominated Pakistan in T20 World Cups, winning 7 out of 8 matches. They also enjoy a strong record in Colombo, but this time, the weather could become the real opponent.

The forecast shows heavy rain chances during the match. However, it is being said that showers may slow down in the evening, but nothing looks certain. For a proper result, each side must bat at least five overs. If rain does not allow that, officials will call off the game.

Both teams will get one point each. There is no reserve day for group matches. A washout will hit money hard. Broadcasters may lose big revenue, and fans could demand ticket refunds for this high-voltage match, which would hurt Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) badly.