India is all set to lock horns with Pakistan at the iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Sunday (February 16) in the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 Group C match. Ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash, Irfan Pathan issued a stern warning to Jasprit Bumrah.
Irfan Pathan sends a strong message to Jasprit Bumrah ahead of India vs Pakistan clash
The former Indian pacer wants Jasprit Bumrah to attack Sahibzada Farhan with full balls straight at the stumps, as the Pakistan opener has been impressive against the ace Indian pacer.
Sahibzada has smashed three sixes and scored 51 runs from just 34 balls against Bumrah in T20Is. He made the runs against Bumrah at an impressive strike rate of 150, and surprisingly, the bowler is yet to dismiss the Pakistani star.
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But Pathan feels the story can be different in Colombo. He wants Bumrah to go full, make Farhan drive, and bring bowled and LBW into play to get success.
Plan should be to target the stumps: Irfan Pathan’s advice to Jasprit Bumrah
Irfan Pathan said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “Sahibzada Farhan has played Jasprit Bumrah well with a strike rate of 150. He stands quite upright. So, he plays the backfoot shot with the horizontal bat quite well when the ball is between the mid-thigh and stomach.”
The cricket pandit further added, “How about we set a field and bowl him full deliveries into the stumps at the start, inviting him to drive? If Jasprit Bumrah does this, he can surely get Sahibzada out. Yes, his variations will come in handy, but the plan should be to target the stumps.”
Irfan Pathan reveals master plan to trap Babar Azam
Meanwhile, Pathan also shared a strategy to outsmart Babar Azam, who now bats in the middle order. He feels India must not allow easy singles and build early pressure on Babar.
The cricket pandit explained, “India should squeeze the singles. Just don’t let him take a single. Let him hit the sweep; keep that area empty. Keep the midwicket and cover fielders up.
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Let him hit a boundary at the start because that is not his strength. He played well in the last match, but this is a new role for him. I think our spinners will put the squeeze on him. Bring in Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy as soon as Babar Azam comes to bat.”
Irfan Pathan admits Pakistan’s Sri Lanka edge but backs India’s spin magic
Pathan admitted that there is one small edge for Pakistan, as they have already played two group matches in Sri Lanka in the tournament and acclimatised to the temperature and the humidity.
But their batting is not that strong, and that’s where India’s spin attack could cause a big problem for them, according to the former Indian World Cup winner.
He signed off by saying, “A batsman like Babar Azam is batting in the middle order. Imagine our spinners Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel bowling in tandem. Pakistan, who have all-rounders after No. 5, will have to play their bowling in the middle overs. This won’t be easy.”
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