Rohit Sharma Names 26-Year-Old Who Could Decide India’s T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma has backed Arshdeep Singh to play a key role for India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing his new-ball swing.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has identified Arshdeep Singh as a key player for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The 26-year-old fast bowler is expected to play a major role for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side. Rohit shared his views during a JioHotstar programme focused on India’s World Cup planning.

Rohit believes Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball gives India an early advantage. The left-arm pacer often strikes in the powerplay and remains effective at the death. Rohit also highlighted the value of pairing Arshdeep with Jasprit Bumrah.

“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 said on JioHotstar’s ‘Captain Rohit Sharma’s Roadmap for the T20 World Cup’.

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“With the new ball, he swings it to get left-handers caught in the slips and targets the pads of right-handers. He has also started taking the ball away from right-handers. These skills are key for a new-ball bowler. He always tries to take wickets, which is why he bowls the first over,” he continued.

“In the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, he did a great job. I still remember he dismissed Quinton de Kock when he was set and batting well. In the 19th over, he gave away just two or three runs, which built pressure on the South Africans. That is his game, bowling with the new ball and at the death, and he will play a key role for India in the 2026 T20 World Cup,” the former skipper added.

Kuldeep and Varun Option Pose Selection Challenge

Rohit also spoke about spin options for 2026. He said Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy remain wicket-takers.

“The biggest challenge for captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir will be how to play both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy together. If you want that combination, you can only do it if you play with two seamers, which is a big challenge. But honestly, I would be tempted to play both Varun and Kuldeep, because they are wicket-takers, and batters struggle to read them,” he said.

The 20-team tournament begins on February 7.