Saturday, March 07
Captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha remained non-committal on whether India and Pakistan players would shake hands before or after their T20 World Cup clash. Both leaders suggested waiting until match day for a decision, emphasizing their focus on playing good cricket. This follows a history where India did not shake hands with Pakistan in previous encounters.
After months of administrative chaos, legal battles and uncertainty, the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season finally begins five months late. Despite disputes over league structure and governance, clubs, players and stakeholders ensured the competition survived. Yet unresolved issues, including relegation and ongoing legal challenges, mean the drama off the pitch may continue alongside the football.
India and Pakistan will train at different times in Colombo before their T20 World Cup clash, with both teams also holding media interactions. Team India received a festive welcome, with Arshdeep Singh’s dance going viral. India will rely on key players like Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, while Varun Chakravarthy could be crucial on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches.
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh backed India to beat Pakistan in the T20 World Cup but warned they must play spinner Usman Tariq carefully. Tariq’s bowling action has sparked controversy despite his strong T20 record. Nayan Mongia also predicted an India win, citing team confidence and Pakistan’s pressure, and backed Hardik Pandya to perform well in big matches.
Sohaib Khan’s 51 off 29 anchored UAE’s chase against Canada, but the innings was more than numbers. Born in Bihar and shaped in Delhi’s Jamia, he moved to the UAE during COVID, working as a financial consultant while chasing cricket at night. On a World Cup stage in Delhi, the late bloomer proved a boy from Gaya could become a hero for UAE.
"I think that's just the nature of cricket. You get a sub-continent team come to Australia and you don't get them complaining about the bounce or the pace," Renshaw said at post-match press conference
India's batting collapses against USA and Namibia in T20 World Cup highlight concerns over adapting to slower pitches against spinners. Opponents have found a blueprint to counter India's powerful batting by mixing tactics and targeting individual batters. The team needs to unlearn habits from flat pitches and prepare for challenging conditions against Pakistan in Colombo.
India's T20 World Cup preparations against Pakistan are tactically focused, with Ishan Kishan stating the team is ready for spinner Usman Tariq. Facing Namibia's sidearm bowler Gerhard Erasmus provided valuable practice, and Kishan emphasised sticking to basics and natural game. Kishan also highlighted his personal evolution towards a more disciplined mindset.
