India must crack spin code before Pakistan twist the knife in Colombo

T20 World Cup 2026: India's unbeaten start hides a spin concern ahead of the Pakistan clash in Colombo, with questions looming against a five-pronged spin attack.

Two wins out of two. Top of the group. Net run rate healthy. On paper, India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is progressing exactly as defending champions would have scripted.

And yet, scratch beneath the surface of those comfortable victories over the USA and Namibia, and a nagging concern emerges. It is not loud. It has not cost them a game. But with Pakistan next in Colombo, it is impossible to ignore.

India versus Pakistan is never routine. Political undertones, sporting rivalry and the sheer emotional weight of the fixture mean this is a contest where margins narrow, and weaknesses are hunted. If there are loose threads in India’s game, Pakistan will look to tug at them relentlessly.

For the most part, India has looked imposing. An all-star line-up with match-winners across departments. Depth in the batting, flexibility in the bowling, genuine all-rounders offering six or seven options with both bat and ball. Add familiar conditions to the mix, and the defending champions appear equipped for another deep run.

But spin has introduced doubt.

At the Wankhede, on what has been the most spin-friendly surface of the tournament so far, India’s batters were made to graft. In Delhi against Namibia, the discomfort was even more pronounced. Three wickets fell to USA’s spinners. Five to Namibia’s.