T20 World Cup 2026: Sunil Gavaskar urges Indian batters to be ‘Fearless, not Reckless’ against Pakistan

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has requested Indian batters to draw a clear line between fearless cricket and reckless shot-making ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. 

Speaking ahead of the group-stage fixture, Gavaskar spoke about India’s transformation into a batting-dominant team where 200-plus totals have become routine. However, he warned that conditions do not always permit an all-out attack. India’s recent performances against the USA and Namibia displayed contrasting results from their major batters. Gavaskar stressed that aggression must be situation-based. If a batter has already taken 12 runs off an over with two sixes and a boundary, attempting another risky hit against a repositioned field could be unnecessary.

"Look, it can't be reckless. It's got to be calculated aggression, and that's what we've seen so far. Yes, occasionally it goes wrong, but I think it's a calculated aggression that is important. For example, I think you've got 12 runs in the over, you've hit two or three sixes—two sixes and maybe another boundary. And then now the fielders have been moved a little bit. You do not go to try and take that challenge where you want to go over the fielder and get out, because that's silly," Gavaskar explained as quoted by India Today.

I'd like to see Washington Sundar in the team: Gavaskar

He also advised a change for the Pakistan clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium, a venue known to help spin. Gavaskar suggested including Washington Sundar in place of Arshdeep Singh to strengthen India’s spin options.

"I said yesterday that I'd like to see Washington Sundar in the team because of the fact that Premadasa has been helping spinners. So yes, I think an additional spinner—but somebody like Washington Sundar can bat down the order as well, who can bat at number eight, you know, give it the thrust in the last two or three overs," Gavaskar added.

While both teams enter the contest with two wins on the trot, the fixture has different pressure. India holds a 7-1 head-to-head record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups and has won their last three meetings in the Asia Cup.

Conditions in Colombo could play a decisive role. While there is a rain threat, the surface is expected to assist slower bowlers, making middle-overs control vital. Historically, chasing teams have held an edge in recent India-Pakistan T20Is.