India versus Pakistan isn’t just a cricket content or a somnolent rivalry for the sport’s sleepy heads. It’s a cricketing contest for the ages that achieves levitation levels during fascinating and mega ICC World Cup tournaments such as the 2026 T20 World Cup that we are seeing. And with several discussions and dramatic entanglements having already taken place in the days leading up to Sunday’s big mega clash for India, a thing can be said for certain. And it’s that will perhaps be an even more watched and hyped cricketing battle in Sri Lanka than what one may already thought of.
Having said that, let us delve into the critical subject of which players could form the part of India’s playing eleven against Pakistan for the mega rivalry showdown:
1. Sanju Samson
Can this be one last chance for Samson to break free from a burgeoning list of lost chances and finally get on with a decent enough score to first silence the inner demons that aren’t letting him realise his true potential wi and with it, the legions of fans he has hurt in failing with the bat?
2. Ishan Kishan (WK)
The 61 off 24 against Namibians the other evening at Delhi was just another fine exhibition of a list of innings at the behest of Kishan’s punishing blade that’s further strengthened his credentials in the Indian side.
The smashing young batter brings attacking intent as a wicketkeeper-opener, capable of taking the game on inside the first six overs. His left-handed presence also disrupts bowling matchups.
3. Tilak Varma
Varma at 3 is potent and dangerous with the bat like Hetmyer for his Windies side. Yet another classy leftie.
Technically sound yet modern in approach, Tilak stabilises the innings while maintaining strike rate. He’s trusted to handle both pace and spin in the middle phase.
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C)
Think of the importance of Sky and think immediately about his incredible rescue act against the USA team where he made a much needed and desperately vital 84.
India’s batting fulcrum and tactical leader, capable of shifting momentum within a few overs. His 360-degree strokeplay makes him the biggest game-breaker in this lineup.
5. Rinku Singh
A designated finisher known for composure in high-pressure endings. His clean hitting in the death overs gives India the late surge they rely on.
6. Hardik Pandya
A clinical performer with both bat and ball and ranked big among the most important names of the game where it comes to all white ball format contests, Pandya is all skill and power. As also that of his mind! The Gujarat born cricketer provides the crucial seam-bowling all-round balance along with power-hitting experience. In marquee clashes, his dual role often defines the contest.
7. Shivam Dube
What a refreshing sight it already is to see Dube back into the Indian colours. After all, he adds muscle through the middle order and can chip in with medium pace if required. His role is to maintain momentum against spin-heavy phases.
8. Axar Patel (VC)
The team in trouble and runs are needed from down the order and there’s one guy who doesn’t let India down. That’s Patel. A dependable all-rounder who offers control with the ball and valuable lower-order runs. His accuracy makes him ideal to contain Pakistan’s strokemakers.
Also Read | Top 5 best matches in India vs Pakistan in history
9. Varun Chakravarthy
There’s no current T20 bowling ranking anywhere in the world or in the works where one might not see the name of Chakravarthy included for he’s just so talented.
The mystery-spinner brings unpredictability, making him a potent weapon against batters unfamiliar with his variations. He’s expected to attack during the middle overs and force mistakes.
10. Jasprit Bumrah
We saw just how economical Bumrah was the other evening in New Delhi against Namibia. India’s strike bowler and death-overs specialist, renowned for precision under pressure. His ability to deliver in crunch moments is vital in an India–Pakistan match.
11. Arshdeep Singh
Left-arm angle adds variety to the pace attack, especially effective with the new ball and at the death. Known for holding nerve in tight finishes, he complements Bumrah’s role.
