India and Pakistan will square off in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash on February 15. The marquee will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. 

India hold a dominant 7-1 record over Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cups. Furthermore, the Men in Blue had defeated the arch-rivals thrice during the Asia Cup last September.

Just like the defending champions, Pakistan have kicked off their T20 World Cup campaign with two back-to-back wins. However, Varun Chakaravarthy thinks the Indian team hold an edge over the arch-rivals.

Following India’s thumping 93-run win over Namibia, Chakaravarthy interacted with former cricketer-turned-commentator Parthi Patel on JioHostar, where latter asked the former to share his views on Pakistan’s strong spin attack and the threat it could pose to the Indian batting line-up.

In reply, Varun reminded Parthi of India’s own spin strength. “Obviously, every game in the World Cup is very important. We are excited for it, and it will be a fun challenge. We are also strong against spin and have a good spin attack. I feel we have the edge over them. Although they are playing in similar conditions back to back and might have an advantage in that regard, I believe that as a group we have had the better of them and are well prepared,” the mystery spinner said.

Usman Tariq is expected to be the trump card for Pakistan heading into the high-pressure game. Besides, the Men in Green have spinners like Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub in their ranks.

Varun Chakaravarthy proved to be the nemesis for Namibia batters, returning with the figures of 3 for 7 in his two overs.

After delivering the match-winning spell, the 34-year-old also issued a warning to the Pakistani batters, saying that he has been working on a selection of new deliveries to add to his already impressive arsenal.

“I’ve been working on a few things. That has always been my process. I usually have some delivery coming up. It’s up to me if I’m courageous enough to try it in the next match,” Chakaravarthy said, before adding there is no set time for how long it takes for him to come up with new deliveries.

“There are a few balls that just click for me in some matches and some I have been trying for six years and they still haven’t come of. Depends on the complexity of the delivery,” he remarked.