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India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav hints at Kuldeep, Abhishek inclusion, stays guarded on handshake row

Suryakumar Yadav hints at including Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan while staying guarded on the handshake issue.

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Surya Kumar Yadav

India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Saturday indicated that left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and opener Abhishek Sharma are likely to feature in the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against Pakistan on Sunday.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Colombo, Suryakumar dropped strong hints about the team combination while responding to questions about selection. In a light-hearted exchange regarding Kuldeep’s inclusion, he remarked, “Do you want him to play? Okay then he will play,” suggesting the spinner could be part of the playing XI. He also all but confirmed Abhishek Sharma’s presence in the side.

Handshake uncertainty and focus on cricket

When asked about the possibility of a handshake between the two teams at the toss, Suryakumar remained cautious. “We’ll see about handshake at toss. Wait for 24 hours,” he said, avoiding a direct answer.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had stated that the match should be played in “good spirits,” adding that Pakistan’s record against India in World Cups has not been favourable. He also expressed confidence regarding spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action and brushed aside concerns about Babar Azam’s form.

Pressure of an India-Pakistan contest

Suryakumar acknowledged the heightened expectations surrounding an India-Pakistan clash, calling it more than “just any other game.”

“There’s always pressure. With India-Pakistan, it’s more of an occasion. No matter how much we say it’s just any other game, it’s a human tendency to be under pressure because it is not any other game. We don’t play them often either. So the pressure is always there,” he said.

India’s batting concerns

Despite securing two wins in the tournament so far, India’s middle order has faced challenges against USA and Namibia. The skipper admitted the team had not been flawless with the bat.

“We had a scratchy start, we can’t run away from the fact. There’s no excuse. Everyone has played a lot of cricket, batters should have their own plans on a tricky wicket. We started well but had a hiccup, but then covered it well. It’s the beauty of T20 cricket,” he noted.

Bilateral cricket question dismissed

On being asked about the prospects of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, Suryakumar distanced himself from the matter.

“It’s not in our hands. When I’m at the position where I can take that call, I’ll let you know,” he responded.

Rain watch in Colombo

As India began training at the R Premadasa Stadium, the pitch remained under covers due to rain concerns. The weather remains a point of attention ahead of the high-profile contest.

With selection hints, political undertones and weather uncertainties in the backdrop, the focus now shifts to Sunday’s marquee T20 World Cup 2026 showdown.

Cricket news

Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian to play T20Is in 13 countries

Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries after featuring against Sri Lanka in Japan.

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Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah added another milestone to his international career on Thursday after taking the field for India against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket semifinal in Japan.

Bumrah’s appearance at Nishin made him the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries, according to the report. He moved ahead of former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have each played T20Is in 12 countries.

Bumrah’s 13-country T20I record

Before playing in Japan, Bumrah had represented India in T20Is in 12 other countries — India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the United States, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

His appearance in Japan took the tally to 13. Kohli, Rohit and Bhuvneshwar had played in all of those countries except Japan, leaving Bumrah alone at the top of the list.

Kohli and Rohit cannot add to their totals as both have retired from T20I cricket, according to the source.

Bumrah shines against Sri Lanka

Bumrah also made an immediate impact in his first T20I appearance in Japan. He claimed two wickets in his opening over against Sri Lanka and finished with figures of 2/7 in two overs.

India went on to dismiss Sri Lanka for 45 in 9.5 overs and won the semifinal by 124 runs to book a place in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final.

The result set up an India-Pakistan gold-medal clash, scheduled for October 3.

Jasprit Bumrah has become the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries. His appearance against Sri Lanka in Japan took him past Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have played T20Is in 12 countries each.

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Cricket news

India beat West Indies by 8 wickets, Gill hits record 223

Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 223 and Rohit Sharma’s 101 helped India chase 406 against West Indies and win the second ODI by eight wickets in Guwahati.

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Shubman Gill

India produced a remarkable batting performance to defeat West Indies by eight wickets in the second ODI in Guwahati, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

West Indies posted 405 for 7 in their 50 overs after centuries from John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo. India then produced an emphatic response, reaching 406 for 2 in just 43.3 overs.

Shubman Gill led the chase with an unbeaten 223, while Rohit Sharma provided strong support with a century.

Gill’s record-breaking double century

Gill remained unbeaten on 223 from 133 balls and completed his double century in 117 deliveries.

His innings made him the first batter to score an ODI double century in 117 balls, according to the report. His unbeaten 223 was also recorded as the highest ODI score by an Indian captain and the highest score by an Indian in an ODI chase.

Gill’s innings contained a combination of boundaries and sustained attacking batting as India comfortably reached the target set by West Indies.

Rohit Sharma scores 101

Rohit Sharma also produced a century during India’s chase, scoring 101 from 75 balls.

The innings also saw Rohit reach the milestone of 12,000 ODI runs. He became the third Indian batter to reach the landmark after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli contributed 29 runs before being dismissed during the chase.

West Indies post 405

Earlier, West Indies put up a huge total of 405 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.

John Campbell scored 101, while Shai Hope made 104. Amir Jangoo also struck a century, scoring 114.

Despite the three centuries, West Indies could not defend the total as India’s top order produced a dominant chase.

India take 2-0 series lead

India completed the chase in 43.3 overs, finishing on 406 for 2 and securing an eight-wicket victory.

The result gives India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with the second match producing a record-breaking individual performance from captain Shubman Gill.

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India News

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal enters politics, rules out joining any party

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her entry into politics in Uttar Pradesh, saying she will not join any political party and will instead work with people.

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Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her entry into politics, saying she will begin her political journey in Uttar Pradesh without joining any political party. Her announcement comes weeks after she resigned from the civil service.

Mittal, a 2013-batch IAS officer, said Uttar Pradesh was her “karmabhoomi” and would be the starting point of her political journey. She described herself as a voice for people whose concerns, according to her, often fail to reach government offices or are not heard when they do.

Divya Mittal’s political entry

In a video message, Mittal said that when people asked what she would do after leaving the IAS, her answer was politics. She said she wanted to become the voice of people and seek greater accountability.

“I will do politics, but not with anyone or any party. But with you all,” she said, adding that she would fight from Uttar Pradesh.

Mittal also appealed to people from different sections, including teachers, farmers, students, doctors, labourers and lawyers, to participate in her effort. She said meaningful political change would require collective public participation.

Issues highlighted by former IAS officer

While explaining the issues she wants to take up, Mittal referred to her administrative experience in Uttar Pradesh.

She recalled an incident from Lahuria Dah, where a woman had approached her seeking a school beyond Class 5. Mittal said she examined the rules and approved the school, but construction had still not begun three years later. She used the example to highlight what she described as a lack of accountability and will in implementing decisions.

Mittal also spoke about infrastructure problems in villages, including roads and bridges, as well as difficulties faced by children and families during the monsoon.

She raised concerns about the future of young people, mentioning examination paper leaks, delays in recruitment processes and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on employment.

Divya Mittal’s IAS career

Mittal resigned from the IAS after nearly 13 years of service, with her resignation accepted in September 2026. She served as District Magistrate in districts including Mirzapur and Deoria and was known for work related to providing piped water to remote villages in Mirzapur.

Her earlier administrative postings also included Sant Kabir Nagar. She had joined the civil services in 2013 after previously working in finance in London.

Her political announcement comes ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election due in 2027. However, the current report does not specify whether Mittal will contest from a particular constituency or whether she has formed or plans to form a political organisation.

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