Why are Sanju Samson and Arshdeep Singh not playing today in IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026?

We are ready for the India vs Pakistan Group A match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which is being hosted at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday night (February 15). India have made two changes in the playing XI, as Sanju Samson and Arshdeep Singh are on the bench for this match.

Why is Sanju Samson not playing today in IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026?

On the other hand, as the powerful opener Abhishek Sharma has returned to the playing XI after recovering from the stomach infection, which forced him to miss India's previous match against Namibia, Sanju Samson has lost his spot in the playing XI. In the match against Namibia, Sanju opened the innings and scored 22 off just eight balls with one four and three sixes. 

Why is Arshdeep Singh not playing today in IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026?

Arshdeep Singh is the leading T20I wicket-taker for India, but the Men in Blues have dropped him for the India vs Pakistan match only due to the pitch. As the pitch is expected to favour the spinners more, India have gone with one extra spinner, Arshdeep has unfortunately lost his place to open a spot. 

Both India and Pakistan have won two matches each in the group stage, and with a win in this fixture, the winner of the match will secure a place in the Super 8 stage. If India qualify, they will play in Group 1 of the Super 8 stage with all matches in India, and if Pakistan qualify, they will play all their Super 8 stage matches in Sri Lanka for Group 2.