New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) With just 50 days to go before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off in India and Sri Lanka, excitement is building regarding how the defending champions will perform. India, the reigning champions, are set to unveil their squad at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai this Saturday afternoon, a decision that is anticipated to establish the framework for their title defense.

Former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Robin Uthappa, both members of the victorious 2007 T20 World Cup team in South Africa, have pinpointed Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy as crucial players in India's quest to maintain their championship.

"Abhishek Sharma is effectively intimidating the opposition's new ball bowlers, which is vital for putting them on the back foot. I've mentioned this recently - he plays a role similar to that of a bowler taking an early wicket in the first or second over. By doing so, he positions his team advantageously," Pathan remarked during a response to a query from IANS on the JioStar Press Room show.

"This is precisely what Abhishek Sharma is executing. If he continues to perform as he has since the World Cup in the West Indies one and a half years ago, I believe we will be in a good place. There may be innings where he could potentially dominate the opposition within the first 6-7 overs. That’s the pivotal role he’s playing, and it will be critical," he added.

Since July 2024, Abhishek has seamlessly stepped into the opening slot following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format post the T20 World Cup victory. In 32 matches, Abhishek has amassed 1081 runs with an average of 36.03 and an impressive strike rate of 188.98, including two centuries and six half-centuries.

Regarding Chakaravarthy, who has taken 49 wickets in 26 matches since rejoining the Indian team in late 2024, JioStar expert Pathan emphasized the spinner's mental resilience as a key factor after his disappointing performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

"Varun Chakaravarthy, besides his skill and confidence, plays a vital role in both the power play and middle overs. His mindset to recover from setbacks is crucial at this significant moment in the competition.

"If you recall, he was part of the 2021 World Cup but faced difficulties, only to return and refine his bowling by adding variations. The most significant addition to his skill set is his mindset for a comeback. Therefore, these two players will hold a very, very important position, along with Jasprit Bumrah," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Uthappa, who has been closely monitoring the Indian side through his role as a JioStar expert, acknowledged the pressure that both players will face during this prestigious tournament but expressed trust in their capacity to manage high expectations.

"Clearly, they will experience considerable pressure. They will recognize that a lot of responsibility rests on their shoulders. However, what we've witnessed over the last few years is that both have excelled under such demands. They have thrived under the expectations we have for them individually," he stated.

Uthappa also pointed out Chakaravarthy's technical advancements, which have transformed him since 2021. "It’s impressive to observe how Varun Chakaravarthy has enhanced his bowling in recent years. He transitioned from being a side-spin bowler to an over-spin one.

"He has become exceptionally precise with his lengths and developed a secondary line of defense even when those lengths are ineffective against certain batsmen. It appears he has prepared thoroughly and just needs to execute effectively. Overall, I believe he will perform exceptionally well. However, other bowlers must support him as well.

Additionally, Uthappa emphasized that India’s other bowlers, particularly pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, must assist the in-form Chakaravarthy during tight spells. "The beginning of the innings is crucial. Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh need to maintain their outstanding performance.

"I believe Arshdeep will face slightly more pressure with the new ball, as expectations will be on him to secure wickets in those initial overs, which he has consistently done for us. Hence, it seems India's bowling unit is in a very, very strong position," he remarked.

In terms of Abhishek, Uthappa noted that he has coped well with the pressure stemming from a fluctuating Indian batting order and has adapted quickly to strategies employed by South African bowlers in the ongoing T20I series. "Currently, the batting order, given its variability, is exerting some pressure on Abhishek Sharma. Nevertheless, I believe he is managing it effectively.

"We have observed in this series that when South African bowlers attempt to restrict him with leg and middle lines and bowl back of a length, he took a game or two to adjust, but as soon as he figured it out, he came back with full force and has been at his dominating best. We hope his form remains consistent over the next three months," he concluded.