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Hardik Pandya’s role in the Indian team looks absolutely crucial, with Irfan Pathan describing him as one of the biggest pillars of the team’s balance ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya is a match-winner and his all-round ability provides India with extra depth in batting and bowling.
Hardik Pandya: India’s key all-rounder in T20 World Cup 2026
Once in the XI, the Indian cricket team can hire extra batsmen or bowlers depending on the situation and this flexibility will be a luxury for the team in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7 at home and in Sri Lanka.
Recently, Pathan said that India are lucky to have more than one quality all-rounder, but Hardik stands out as he can bat at any position and bowls at crucial stages. Along with Axar Patel, he helps keep the middle order stable while also providing reliable bowling options.
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Shivam Dube further strengthens the T20I line-up, but Hardik’s impact and importance are far greater than these stars. The star all-rounder was a key player in India’s recent ICC title wins, including the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean and the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE.
Hardik Pandya gives India flexibility, strength: Irfan Pathan
His ability to handle pressure, contribute in multiple departments and step up in big moments makes him central to India’s plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Revsportz quoted Irrfan Pathan as saying: “Of course. Not many teams have three good all-rounders. Hardik and Axar Patel are two all-rounders who can bat at any position. In the Asia Cup final, we saw Shivam Dubey can bowl the new ball as well. So overall, having three all-rounders makes things a lot easier for the captain and coach.”
Kuldeep Yadav out of form ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav’s recent form is in the spotlight as the 2026 T20 World Cup approaches, but Pathan is not worried. The wrist spin game has looked a bit off in recent games due to changes in technology. His release point became lower and his bowling became flatter, which reduced his natural drift and turn.
Because of this, batsmen find him easier to line up. In the ODI series against New Zealand, he was targeted by all batsmen and he could manage only three wickets in three games. His T20 figures also dropped in 2026, with four wickets in three games.
Irfan Pathan believes Kuldeep Yadav can make comeback
Despite the dip in form, Irrfan Pathan is not worried about Kuldeep’s skills and abilities. He believes that the left-arm spinner has the ability and experience to handle this phase. According to Irrfan, the tough times Kuldeep went through early in his career actually helped him grow into a more mature bowler.
Irfan feels Kuldeep remains India’s biggest spin weapon in the 2026 T20 World Cup, but says the wrist spinner just needs a little refresher on the basics and a mental approach can easily solve the problem.
The former India all-rounder added: “Kuldeep, as far as technique is concerned, I’m not worried. If I were his bowling coach, I would pay special attention to the angles of his bowling and what’s going on in his head. The phase in which he’s fighting has made Kuldeep more mature. He’s changed the angle of his run-up, his pace has increased, his turns have become sharper, he’s gained a lot of confidence. So, when things are a bit up and down, a little bit of review does the trick.”
