As India gear up to defend their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title from February 7, former skipper Rohit Sharma underlined how crucial all-round depth will be in a high-pressure tournament. Central to that plan, the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning former skipper feels Hardik Pandya’s all-round ability to contribute across disciplines gives India unmatched flexibility.
“Whenever Hardik Pandya is in the team, his role is huge. He bats and bowls very consistently,” Rohit explained. “His batting is crucial when the team is stuck… If we have a score of 160 on the board in 15-16 overs and Hardik is batting, then he’s the one who can help the team reach 210-220 from there or if we are 50 for 4, he has to build the innings. Batting in the middle order at 5, 6, or 7 is very tough. That is why Hardik’s role is critical in any format.”
Rohit further highlighted how Hardik’s bowling allows India to stretch their resources. “He bowls in key phases, with the new ball, in the middle and in the death as well. His role is very important because he gives the team balance, letting us play six bowlers and keep our batting deep.”
On the pace front, Rohit emphasised the value of having Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh operating together, calling it a major advantage for India. “It is a big positive to have both, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, together because they always attack for wickets,” he said on JioHotstar.
Rohit praised left-armer Arshdeep’s ability to influence both ends of the innings. “Arshdeep’s biggest strength is swinging the new ball and taking early wickets… Starting and finishing are the most important phases, and he is strong in both. With the new ball, he swings it to get left-handers caught in the slips and targets the pads of right-handers. He has also started taking the ball away from right-handers. These skills are key for a new-ball bowler. He always tries to take wickets, which is why he bowls the first over.”
Recalling the 2024 final, Rohit added, “I still remember he dismissed Quinton de Kock when he was set and batting well. In the 19th over, he gave away just two or three runs, which built pressure on the South Africans. That is his game, bowling with the new ball and at the death, and he will play a key role for India in the 2026 T20 World Cup.”
While Rohit spoke glowingly of India’s strengths, he was equally direct when discussing decision-making, particularly with left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Offering clear advice, he said, “My one simple advice to Kuldeep is to just bowl quietly and go back to his mark. You can’t appeal on every ball. This is basic.”
Rohit stressed the importance of conserving reviews in tight matches. “You have to use your head… Just because it touches the pad, it doesn’t mean it’s out every time. This isn’t gully cricket.” Explaining his own approach, he added, “That’s why when there’s a review off Kuldeep’s bowling, I don’t look at him, I look at the keeper to decide.”
The biggest selection dilemma, according to Rohit, will be how to fit both Kuldeep and Varun Chakaravarthy into the playing XI, especially with dew playing a major role across Indian venues. “The biggest challenge for captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir will be how to play both, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy together,” he said.
Rohit admitted he is tempted by the idea. “Honestly, I would be tempted to play both, Varun and Kuldeep, because they are wicket-takers and batters struggle to read them.”
However, he cautioned, “Looking at conditions in India… there is a lot of dew… 90–95% of grounds in India have dew. That’s the challenge.”
India’s bid to defend their crown will begin on February 7 with the hosts taking on the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.