Hardik Pandya under the microscope as former India wicketkeeper warns ‘they will have to be careful’ ahead of Pakistan clash

A former India wicketkeeper has urged caution ahead of the high‑stakes India–Pakistan T20 World Cup meeting, warning that India cannot take the contest lightly. While many expect India to start as favourites, voices in the build‑up have highlighted Pakistan’s varied spin resources and tactical unpredictability. Hardik Pandya’s all‑round role could be central to how India manage those threats.

Former keeper’s warning frames a tense build‑up

The succinct caution — "they will have to be careful" — from a former India wicketkeeper has added a sharper edge to what is already one of cricket’s most scrutinised fixtures. The message underlines that even in a matchup where India appear stronger on paper, lapses in planning or execution can hand momentum to an opponent willing to exploit any weakness.

That warning dovetails with recent pundit commentary that India’s dominance in recent years makes this tie seem like more of a one‑sided affair, but also stresses the value of tactical discipline. With both teams carrying momentum from earlier wins in the group, the margin for error is small and preparation will be paramount.

Spin could be Pakistan’s best shot — and where Hardik fits in

One senior commentator has pointed to spin as Pakistan’s most credible path to unsettling India. Pakistan entered the tournament with multiple spin options and the suggestion is that a spin‑heavy XI could be the best way to challenge India on the R Premadasa pitch, historically favouring slower bowling in big moments.

Hardik Pandya’s influence becomes clearer in that scenario. As a frontline all‑rounder, he offers both seam penetration and lower‑order firepower. His ability to bowl incisive overs in the middle phases and to strike quickly in the death overs makes him a natural counter to a spin‑led assault: he can be used to stem the run flow, offer control with the new ball when needed, and then accelerate the scoreboard against tired bowlers.

Beyond raw skills, Pandya’s presence influences selection and matchups. If Pakistan do opt for a spin‑first approach, India could balance the XI with an extra batting buffer or an additional pace option, and Pandya’s adaptability allows the team to pivot without losing a dependable bowling option.

Match context and what to watch

The India–Pakistan fixture is scheduled to start at 7: 00 PM IST, which is 8: 30 AM ET. Both teams head into the game with two group wins apiece, meaning the outcome will have immediate implications for the group standings and knockout outlook.

Key watching points:

• Pakistan’s playing XI: whether they back a spin‑heavy plan or stick with their pace assets will shape the tactical battle.
• India’s response: how the balance of their XI addresses spin and whether Hardik Pandya is deployed more as a bowling enforcer or a batting finisher.
• Wicket and conditions: Colombo surfaces have often rewarded spin; how the pitch behaves early on will dictate initial gambits from both camps.

Even with a consensus that India are the stronger side, the former wicketkeeper’s caution serves as a reminder that rivalries of this magnitude rarely follow script. Tactical nuance, timely contributions and smart selection decisions — where Hardik Pandya is likely to be pivotal — could determine whether this fixture is another routine win or a surprise twist.