Hardik Pandya’s role in India’s setup looks absolutely crucial, and Irfan Pathan has described him as one of the biggest pillars of the team’s balance ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Hardik Pandya is a match-winner, and his all-round abilities give India extra depth in both batting and bowling.
Hardik Pandya: India’s key all-round pillar for T20 World Cup 2026
With being in the Playing XI, the Indian cricket team can afford to play an extra batter or bowler, depending on conditions, and this flexibility will be the team’s luxury at the T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7 at home and in Sri Lanka.
Recently, Pathan said that India is lucky to have more than one quality all-rounder, but Hardik stands out because he can bat at any position and bowl in crucial phases. Along with Axar Patel, he helps keep the middle order stable while also offering reliable bowling options.
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Shivam Dube further strengthens the T20I setup, but Hardik’s impact and importance are far more important than these stars. The star all-rounder has been a key performer in India’s recent ICC title wins, including the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean and the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE.
Hardik Pandya gives India flexibility and strength: Irfan Pathan
His ability to handle pressure, contribute in multiple departments, and step up in big moments makes him central to India’s T20 World Cup 2026 plans.
Irfan Pathan was quoted as saying by Revsportz: “Absolutely. Not many teams have three quality all-rounders. Two all-rounders who can bat at any position in the form of Hardik and Axar Patel. In the Asia Cup finals, we have seen that Shivam Dube can bowl the new ball as well. So overall, having three all-rounders makes things so much easier for the captain and the coach.”
Kuldeep Yadav’s form worries ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Meanwhile, with the T20 World Cup 2026 getting closer, Kuldeep Yadav’s recent form has become a talking point, but Pathan is not much worried. The wrist-spinner has looked slightly off in recent games due to technical changes. His release point has gone lower, and his bowling has become flatter, which has reduced his natural drift and turn.
Because of this, batters have found it easier to line him up. In the ODI series against New Zealand, he was targeted by all the batters, and he could manage only three wickets in three matches. His T20 numbers in 2026 have also dipped, with four wickets from three matches.
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Irfan Pathan confident Kuldeep Yadav can bounce back
Despite the dip in form, Irfan Pathan is not worried about Kuldeep’s skills and ability. He believes the left-arm spinner has the skill and experience to handle this phase. According to Irfan, the tough period Kuldeep faced earlier in his career actually helped him grow into a more mature bowler.
Irfan feels Kuldeep is still India’s biggest spin weapon for the T20 World Cup 2026 but suggested that the wrist-spinner only needs a small revisit to basics and a mental approach can easily fix things.
The former Indian all-rounder added, “Kuldeep, in terms of skills, I am not worried. If I were his bowling coach, I would have taken special notice of his bowling angle and what’s happening in his mind. The phase that he fought has changed Kuldeep into a more mature Kuldeep. He changed the angle of his run-up, his speed increased, his turn got sharper, and he gained a lot of confidence. So, when things go up and down a bit, a little revisit does the trick.”
