Former BCCI selector Kris Srikkanth has suggested a change in India’s playing XI for the upcoming match against Pakistan during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Srikkanth stated that spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar should come into the side in place of Rinku Singh, citing conditions and balance.
Rinku has scored just seven runs from two games in the tournament at an average of 3.50 and a strike rate of 35. Sundar is returning from an injury picked up during the ODI series against New Zealand last month. The Tamil Nadu cricketer offers India an extra bowling option without weakening the batting.
I’ll Play Washington Sundar Instead of Rinku Singh – Kris Srikkanth
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth said that Washington Sundar should replace Rinku Singh in the playing XI. He added that Sundar can still contribute at No. 8 and gives India an off-spinner alongside a left-arm spinner and a leg-spinner.
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“I’ll definitely play Washington Sundar in the 11. I’ll play him instead of Rinku Singh. I’ll still retain Arshdeep. So I’ll have six solid bowlers and eight solid batters,” Srikkanth said.
“Because Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar can do the same thing at No.8. If you have to win a match through a No.8 batter, Washington Sundar could do that for you. With this lineup, you’ll have an off-spinner, left-arm spinner and a leg spinner,” he added.
India Could Also Play Kuldeep Yadav Instead of Arshdeep Singh – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth feels India could bring in Kuldeep Yadav in place of Arshdeep Singh, along with Washington Sundar replacing Rinku Singh. This combination would give India four spinners, two pacers, and batting depth until No. 8.
“India could also play Kuldeep instead of Arshdeep and make it four spinners. If you want to drop Arshdeep Singh then I’ll play Kuldeep. Then it’ll be four spinners and two medium pacers, along with Dube. With this lineup also, there’ll be batting until No.8,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).
India have gone with a pace-heavy attack in the first two games of the tournament. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy handled spin duties, while Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya shared pace bowling.
There Is No Rule That You Have to Play Only Three Spinners – Kris Srikkanth
Srikkanth also said that India should not hesitate to field four spinners. The former cricketer added that team selection should depend on the surface.
“India can play four spinners on these conditions because Pakistan will also play four spinners. So there is nothing wrong. There is no rule that you’ve to play only three spinners,” Srikkanth added.
“There should be horses for courses based on the conditions. I won’t drop Arshdeep but if at all he is dropped, I’ll replace him with Kuldeep, while also replacing Rinku with Washington Sundar.”
Pakistan are expected to load their XI with five spin options again, for the slow surface and big boundaries in Colombo. India, meanwhile, are aiming for their 11th straight T20 World Cup win and a sixth consecutive T20I victory over Pakistan.
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