Former South Africa speedster Simon Doull believes that destructive fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be India's X-Factor alongside Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, Hardik played a massive role for India in their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, which was played in the USA and the West Indies.
In the title decider of the last edition of the T20 World Cup 2026, Hardik bowled the 17th over and 20th over against South Africa, where he dismissed Henrich Klassen to shift the momentum of the game. However, Arshdeep Singh bowled the 19th over and ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker.
Doull on India's X factor in bowling
Notably, Arshdeep is also India's all-time highest wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game. While asked about India's best bowler in the mega event apart from Bumrah, Doull picked Hardik.
One of the biggest X-factors in the end could be Hardik Pandya. Cutters into the surface, he has really perfected that art" Simon Doull told Star Sports.
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India's T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
India will start their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the United States on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will play their Group Stage matches in Mumbai, Delhi, Colombo and Ahmedabad. India's high voltage clash against Pakistan will take place on February 15.
| Match | Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Match | February 7 | United States | Mumbai |
| Second Match | February 12 | Namibia | Delhi |
| Third Match | February 15 | Pakistan | Colombo |
| Fourth Match | February 18 | Netherlands | Ahmedabad |
India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.