Team India have kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with back-to-back wins over the USA and Namibia. The defending champions will next face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15 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.
Despite the dominance, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar issued a word of caution for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side, saying that there's a fine line between fearless cricket and reckless batting. He stressed the need for calculated intent, particularly when conditions favoring the bowlers.
While Gavaskar acknowledged India's ultra-aggressive approach, he mentioned the team's underwhelming display against the USA and Namibia as evidence that this approach can backfire when surfaces offer assistance to bowlers.
"Look, it can't be reckless. It's got to be calculated aggression, and that's what we've seen so far. Yes, occasionally it goes wrong, but I think it's a calculated aggression that is important," Gavaskar told India Today.
"For example, I think you've got 12 runs in the over, you've hit two or three sixes—two sixes and maybe another boundary. And then now the fielders have been moved a little bit. You do not go to try and take that challenge where you want to go over the fielder and get out, because that's silly," he added.
Gavaskar highlighted the importance of understanding match situations and picking the right bowlers to target.
"But if you're in the flow—and I know it's very easy to say— but if you're in the flow as a batter, then you keep doing it. And yes, you might get out there; that is the thing. But the thing is to also see which bowlers you're targeting."
"There are bowlers you must target for maximum runs in their two or three overs. There are certain bowlers you should be happy to say, 'Look, I'll probably get maybe eight runs an over from him. That's a good economy for him,'" he explained.
Talking about India’s team composition for Pakistan match, Gavaskar advocated for Washington Sundar’s inclusion in place of Arshdeep Singh to strengthen the spin attack.
"I said yesterday that I'd like to see Washington Sundar in the team because of the fact that Premadasa has been helping spinners. So yes, I think an additional spinner—but somebody like Washington Sundar can bat down the order as well, who can bat at number eight, you know, give it the thrust in the last two or three overs," Gavaskar stated.
"You want some 18-20 runs in three overs, you know, somebody like Washington Sundar can get those 20-30 runs."
While Gavaskar commended Arshdeep Singh's contributions, he wants Hardik Pandya to take the new ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah on Sundar.
"Arshdeep has been a fine bowler, but I would like Hardik Pandya and Bumrah to be the new ball bowlers, and then the spinners come in. And you have Shivam Dube to come in and bowl a couple in case, you know, the new ball is wobbling a bit," he concluded.
