T20 World Cup-winning Rohit Sharma believes two players, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, could prove decisive in shaping the team’s fortunes at the upcoming T20I World Cup 2026. India, who will enter the tournament as the defending champions, are eyeing back-to-back titles.
Rohit Sharma, who led India to glory in the previous edition of the tournament, recently shared his thoughts on the balance and depth of the current squad. Rohit highlighted the left-arm bowler Arshdeep's ability to make early breakthroughs with the new ball.
"It is a big positive to have both Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh together because they always attack for wickets. Arshdeep's biggest strength is swinging the new ball and taking early wickets. He mainly bowls with the new ball and at the death. Starting and finishing are the most important phases, and he is strong in both," Rohit told JioHotstar.
Rohit also underlined the importance of Hardik Pandya as a key all-rounder.
"Whenever Hardik Pandya is in the team, his role is huge. He bats and bowls very consistently. His batting is crucial when the team is stuck. If we have a score of 160 on the board in 15-16 overs and Hardik is batting, then he's the one who can help the team reach 210-220 from there or if we are 50 for 4, he has to build the innings," Rohit said.
India are set to begin their title defence on February 7 with an opening clash against co-hosts USA. They have been placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, along with the Netherlands and Namibia.