New Delhi: Tilak Varma revealed the Indian team is excited and already prepared for their much-awaited marquee clash against Pakistan in the ongoingT20
World Cup 2026. Breaking his silence on Pakistan’s U-turn over their initial boycott stance, Tilak said the Indian team is looking forward to the high-profile encounter.
The Pakistan government announced on Monday that it has reversed its decision to boycott the India game, asking the Pakistan national team to take the field in their clash against the arch-rivals in Colombo on February 15. The U-turn from the Pakistan government ended the uncertainty surrounding the marquee fixture, which is set to be one of the most sought-after games in the tournament.
“We were excited to play and we were already prepared for the clash against Pakistan. When we got the news, we got excited for the match,” Tilak said at the pre-match press conference ahead of India’s second group-stage match against Namibia in New Delhi on Thursday.
Tilak Varma reveals India’s plans for Pakistan spinners
Pakistan are relying heavily on spinners in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 as they are playing all their matches in Sri Lanka, where there is assistance for the spin bowlers. Shaheen Afridi was the only specialist pacer in Pakistan’s bowling line-up against USA on Tuesday as the Salman Ali Agha-led side used five spinners in the game.
Pakistan spinners dominated the proceedings against USA at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, picking up seven of the eight USA wickets in the game. Pakistan comfortably defended the total of 190 runs to win the game by 32 runs and make it two wins in a row in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Spinner Usman Tariq, whose unique bowling action has come under the scanner, sparking debate across the cricketing world, was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with a three-wicket haul against USA. Shadab Khan picked up two wickets, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz bagged a wicket apiece to help Pakistan secure a commanding win.
When asked about India’s plans to tackle Pakistani spinners in the upcoming clash between the arch-rivals, Tilak said India are already well prepared. The left-hander pointed out how India have batters with different skillsets, who can tackle any bowling attack on their day.
“We are taking it one game at a time. We have our own technology and video analysis. We will see how they (Pakistan spinners) are bowling and how the wicket is behaving there (in Colombo),” Tilak said, responding to a query from News9.
“We have already prepared and we have different type of batters in our team, who can all play a range of strokes. We will see what kind of shots we need to play on that day, keeping the conditions and the target in mind,” he added.
Abhishek Sharma discharged, but no decision on participation
Tilak also provided a crucial update regarding India’s star opener Abhishek Sharma, who complained of stomach issues and was admitted to a hospital in Delhi on Tuesday. Abhishek was discharged on Wednesday, but Tilak revealed that a final call regarding his participation in the Namibia clash will be taken by the team management on the game day.
“Abhishek has been discharged today. There is still time to decide on his participation for tomorrow’s game,” Tilak said at the press conference.
Tilak also revealed India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been bowling in full tilt in the nets and is fit for the Namibia game. Bumrah missed India’s opener against USA due to illness. In his absence, Mohammed Siraj, who replaced injured Harshit Rana, played in the game.
“Jasprit Bumrah is fine and we have one more day – if he’s doing better, team will take a call and see if he will play tomorrow,” said Tilak about Bumrah.
