Sunil Gavaskar reveals 'India's area of concern' in T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan

Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that India's top batting order is a concern ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan, which will take place in Colombo. With a threat looming over Abhishek Sharma's participation due to illness, there are chances that Sanju Samson will be included in the playing XI just like their last T20 World Cup 2026 outing against Namibia.

Sunil Gavaskar on India's area of concern vs Pakistan

In the exclusive chat with India Today, Gavaskar lauded Samson's batting abilities, but he also believes that the temperament is the main issue with the wicketkeeper batter, so with that, the shot selection becomes important.

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"I think the top of the order is one area that will concern them slightly. If Abhishek Sharma is not 100 per cent fit and Sanju Samson comes in, there is never any doubt about the ability he has. We have seen it time and again that when Samson is going well, he can destroy any attack," Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.

Gavaskar on Sanju Samson

Gavaskar believes that India needs to get a good start in the power play, and if Abhishek misses out, then Samson is going to be a key player for India.

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"But temperament has been his main issue, and that is where shot selection becomes important. So this is one area where India may be just a touch worried. They need a good start in those first six overs, and Samson is going to be a key player," Gavaskar added.

Will Abhishek Sharma feature in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash?

Abhishek Sharma has travelled to Colombo alongside Team India, and the management is yet to take a final call on his inclusion in the Pakistan clash. Sports Tak understands that the management will monitor Abhishek's fitness during India's net session in Colombo on Saturday. However, his parents also reached the Island Nation ahead of the arch-rivals' clash.

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup head-to-head

India has been the dominant force against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup matches as the Men in Blue hold a formidable 7–1 head-to-head lead over Pakistan in T20 World Cup history. Pakistan’s only victory came during the 2021 edition in Dubai, while India has claimed the spoils in every other encounter, including the legendary 2007 final and the 2024 low-scoring thriller in New York.