“His performance in the last 12 matches hasn’t been that great” - Aakash Chopra predicts changes in India’s playing XI

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on India’s playing XI against their arch-rivals Pakistan in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, on Sunday, February 2026, in Colombo.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra reckoned that he would love to see all-rounder Washington Sundar replace finisher Rinku Singh, who wasn’t seen in good form in the ongoing showpiece event.

"I am thinking Washington Sundar in place of Rinku. You might ask, why? I am thinking that the number at which Rinku is batting, Rinku gets to bat in only two circumstances. Either you are 50/4, then Rinku needs to come, or the last eight or ten balls are left, and Rinku needs to come there," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"Rinku's performance in the last 10-12 matches hasn't been that great. Too many runs haven't been scored. Washington Sundar brings as much batting and the four overs of bowling will become extremely crucial because the opposing team might think about playing Fakhar Zaman as well," he added.

Furthermore, he revealed the reason behind having Sundar in the playing XI, adding that Pakistan has multiple left-handed batters in their top and middle-order, which highlights Sundar’s presence. Moreover, he also felt Kuldeep Yadav would be coming in to replace Arshdeep Singh as the Colombo surface assists spinners comparatively.

"You will get Saim Ayub at the start and Mohammad Nawaz in the middle. There are left-handers in that batting order. Fakhar can come and Faheem Ashraf will also be there later. When you have so many left-handers, the off-spinner's role can increase," Chopra observed.

"The other change I am seeing is Kuldeep Yadav in place of Arshdeep Singh. So one Deep will remain, but that will be the left-arm leg-break one because you will need spin on this ground," he concluded.

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