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India's change in approach for IND vs PAK [Source: @Crex_live, @AnupPalAgt/X.com]
India’s build-up to the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan has taken a slightly different turn. With Abhishek Sharma recovering from illness and missing an intense training session, head coach Gautam Gambhir and the support staff recalibrated preparations to suit both conditions and personnel.
The focus changed from blind slogging to discipline, adaptability, and better execution. These are some areas India believe will decide the contest in Colombo’s slower conditions.
Indian bowlers put through the grind by Gautam Gambhir
According to TOI, one of the standout features of India’s recent net session was the intensity of the bowling drills. Unlike routine practice days during a long tournament, the pacers and spinners bowled extended spells at full tilt.
The coaching group apparently wants the bowlers to dictate terms rather than merely defend totals.
Interestingly, Colombo’s surfaces have not produced the high-scoring games many expected. The pitches have been a little slow, taking turn at times, and assisting the spinners as the matches progress.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir understands that against Pakistan’s powerful batting lineup, control will be crucial.
Thus, the bowlers were divided into focused groups of work on particular plans such as yorkers for the death overs, hard lengths into the pitch, and variations through the middle.
India believe early breakthroughs and disciplined middle-overs bowling can create pressure that Pakistan may struggle to absorb.
India’s batting approach gets a reality check
Meanwhile, India’s aggressive batting has dominated headlines in recent weeks, but Gautam Gambhir appears keen to bring balance to the approach. Without Abhishek Sharma at practice, the team used the opportunity to simulate alternative combinations and roles.
The emphasis was reportedly on situational batting. Instead of going all-out from ball one, batters worked on pacing an innings on slower tracks. Rotating strike, targeting specific bowlers, and building partnerships were discussed in detail.
The coaching staff apparently stressed that chasing 250 every game is not realistic in these conditions.
Gautam Gambhir’s philosophy has often revolved around fearless cricket, but he is equally aware that smart cricket wins tight games. Against Pakistan, managing phases such as powerplay, middle overs, and death could prove decisive.
Washington Sundar adds flexibility to the India squad
A major positive for India has been Washington Sundar’s return to full training after recovering from a rib injury. His presence offers tactical depth.
With four genuine all-rounders available, India can tweak the playing XI depending on pitch behaviour.
Washington’s off-spin could be particularly valuable in Colombo, where surfaces are expected to slow down further as the tournament progresses.
Overall, as the countdown to the India-Pakistan clash begins, the mood in the Indian camp is focused rather than flamboyant under Gautam Gambhir's watch. In a contest often decided by small margins and big moments, India are betting on preparation, discipline, and adaptability to tilt the balance in their favour.
