Abhishek back, Arshdeep to miss IND vs PAK [Source: AFP]In a massive development, it has been understood that India will likely make two changes to their existing playing XI for the high-profile T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. As reported by Devendra Pandey from Express Sports, swashbuckling batter Abhishek Sharma has received fitness clearance to replace Sanju Samson, while India are likely to bring in Kuldeep Yadav for Arshdeep Singh in this match. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India are ready to take on Pakistan in their third group-stage fixture. Having won two consecutive matches, the Men in Blue have showcased prolific form in the tournament so far. Pakistan have also been impressive, comfortably swatting aside the Netherlands and United States in their group-stage matches. Abhishek Sharma to be back in IND XI vs PAKDestructive opening batter Abhishek Sharma had a forgettable start to the T20 World Cup 2026, registering a duck against the United States. However, more than the rare poor outing, what concerned India was his stomach infection which ruled him out of the encounter against Namibia. However, Abhishek was eventually discharged from the hospital and as reported by renowned journalist Devendra Pandey, he is all set to make a much-awaited comeback to the Indian playing XI against Pakistan. Abhishek Sharma emerged as a massive headache for the Pakistani bowlers, as he capitalised on the field restrictions and provided India with rollicking starts in the Asia Cup 2025. So, he is a definite upgrade over Sanju Samson, who has repeatedly failed to convert his starts into impactful scores in T20Is. Arshdeep Singh to make room for Kuldeep YadavIn another notable change, the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian management will likely rope in Kuldeep Yadav to strengthen their spin department. Ace speedster Arshdeep Singh might make way for Kuldeep, with India planning to unleash a spin-heavy attack at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium traditionally favours spin bowling and the trend has continued in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Statistically, spinners have bagged nearly half of the total wickets at this venue in the tournament. Added to that, Kuldeep has been a persistent thorn for Pakistan, scalping eight wickets in three T20I matches against India's arch-rivals. Focus on Usman Tariq as Pakistan eye redemptionTalking about Pakistan, the Men in Green would be keen to sustain their red-hot form in the T20 World Cup. Under Salman Ali Agha's leadership, Pakistan suffered three consecutive defeats to India in the Asia Cup and must be eyeing redemption in the ongoing tournament. Apart from captain Agha, all eyes will be on Pakistan's decorated bowling unit led by Shaheen Afridi as they aim to stun the Suryakumar Yadav-led outfit against the odds. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq has also grabbed a lot of attention, courtesy of his controversial bowling action, and Pakistan will launch him as a potent weapon to unsettle the Indian batters in the high-stakes encounter.
