IND vs PAK: Rohit Sharma makes surprise appearance as toss nears; India weigh Kuldeep for Arshdeep swap
Rohit Sharma made a surprise appearance in the dressing-room area and embraced teammates just as the toss was moments away at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. The marquee India vs Pakistan clash — a standout on the t20 world cup schedule — arrived under a thickening cloud cover and amid off-field friction that has kept headlines buzzing for weeks.
Spin gamble as toss approaches
Team selection discussions centred on a bold change: Arshdeep Singh looks set to be dropped in favour of Kuldeep Yadav, which would hand India a three-pronged spin attack alongside Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel. That combination signals a clear tactical shift, prioritizing variety and spin control on what could be a slow or damp surface.
With the toss imminent, the move suggests the team management expects conditions that could reward wrist-spin and left-arm orthodox containment. The selection choice also underlines a desire to disrupt the Pakistan batting plan with different angles and slower balls rather than persisting with an extra pace option.
Players and fans alike will be tracking the final XI and the toss outcome closely; for those tuning in from North America, check the t20 world cup schedule for kickoff times in ET.
Weather, drainage and a tense atmosphere
Colombo has so far avoided heavy showers, and ground staff have been praised for their swift covering work and an efficient drainage system that could yet salvage more play if showers arrive. That said, dark clouds moving over Premadasa make a full uninterrupted match far from guaranteed — organizers and broadcasters were preparing for a start-stop scenario with potential delays.
Off the field, relations between the two teams continue to be frosty. India have maintained a no-handshake stance led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, a policy that first drew attention during last year’s regional tournament and has carried forward into this meeting. The decision has been one of the most talked-about elements of the build-up and threatens to overshadow elements of the contest itself, with both dressing rooms aware that any interaction will be closely scrutinized.
The combination of on-field tactics, weather uncertainty and strained player relations has made this fixture feel larger than a single match on the t20 world cup schedule; it is a focal point for emotion, narrative and drama in equal measure.
Players under the microscope
Two names have dominated headlines in the final hours: Abhishek Sharma, who battled illness and drew sharp public criticism from an opposing fast bowler, and Usman Tariq, who faced repeated questions about his bowling action despite having clearance from the sport’s governing body. Both situations have added extra layers of storyline to an encounter already heavy with expectation.
For India, the possible inclusion of Kuldeep increases the spotlight on wrist-spin and how well the pair of left-arm options can control power hitters. For Pakistan, managing their responses to both selection moves and the broader off-field narrative will be key to maintaining focus.
Whatever transpires once the toss is done, tonight’s match will be a pivotal entry on the t20 world cup schedule — one that could set the tone for the rest of the day and reverberate through the tournament. Fans should monitor local listings for final ET kickoff and any changes if weather intervenes.
