Abhishek Sharma can change the complexion of a game in the PowerPlay itself.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO: RITU RAJ KONWAR
A subcontinental rivalry overshadowing a global cricket tournament is again at play as the ICC Twenty20 World Cup is all set to commence during the weekend. The political undercurrents that simmer in matches involving India and Pakistan is being strongly felt in Group A.
The strident voices from across the Wagah border insist that the big clash between the neighbours at Colombo on February 15 is a non-starter. Just as the ICC, BCCI and PCB buckle down, Group A isn’t just about India and Pakistan as Namibia, the Netherlands and the United States of America (USA), are also in the fray.
Even if Pakistan forfeits its game against India, the estranged neighbours should find a berth in the Super Eight stage. India, defending champion and No. 1 in the ICC T20I rankings, has a strong unit helmed by Suryakumar Yadav. Even if Sanju Samson’s poor form is a worry, the team has enough firepower to prevail over opponents.
The recent 4-1 triumph over New Zealand highlighted the riches within India’s playing XI and the larger squad. Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar, and Shivam Dube, flexing his all-rounder muscle, have flourished. Hardik Pandya lends balance while Jasprit Bumrah’s pace, Arshdeep Singh’s perseverance, and the guile of Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, should keep the attack in good stead.
Defending a title in home conditions brings in the familiar comfort of the backyard and the attendant expectations of local fans, besides an Indian diaspora that will fly in. Currently, Suryakumar’s merry bunch seems primed to cope and deliver well.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, mercurial, and stationed in Sri Lanka, has to find a voice. Salman Agha and his key men Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi need to be at their best. A former champion in cricket’s shortest format, Pakistan has slipped over the years.
While in the popular narrative, dirges about West Indies prevail, the decline of Pakistan from the heady days of Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram, remains a concern. Still, against the other opponents in Group A, Pakistan is expected to succeed.
For the remaining teams, a global championship offers both an honest mirror and an opportunity to dream big. There are enough lessons from history; in a 1987 World Cup game at Hyderabad, Dave Houghton’s 142 helped Zimbabwe briefly threaten New Zealand. But it lit a spark and in the 1999 edition in England, Zimbabwe defeated India. Those were 50-over World Cups.
In the more abridged T20Is, lesser teams can mask flaws and dream big. This is the beacon that Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA should chase. Namibia has its former star Craig Williams as coach, while the Dutch have been bolstered by the presence of Max O’Dowd and Bas de Leede.
And the USA, helmed by Monank Patel, will lean on batter Saiteja Mukkamalla, and also hope some of the contests are as easy as tucking into street-side chaat, which most of its players relished in Mumbai.
Published – February 05, 2026 06:57 pm IST
