As anticipation builds for one in all cricket’s most electrifying rivalries, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has acknowledged that the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 conflict in opposition to Pakistan is not going to be simple. Whereas the political uncertainty surrounding the fixture briefly solid a shadow over preparations, the Indian camp insists their focus by no means wavered.
India had been ready for the high-profile conflict: Ryan ten Doeschate
Talking in Delhi on Tuesday, only a day after Pakistan formally withdrew their boycott stance for the February 15 group-stage encounter, Ten Doeschate expressed reduction that the competition will go forward as scheduled. Extra importantly, he underlined that India had ready all together with the belief that the high-profile sport would happen.
“To start with, it’s nice that the sport’s again on,” Ten Doeschate stated whereas chatting with reporters forward of India’s sport in opposition to Namibia.
“We by no means actually altered our preparation pondering it wouldn’t occur. We had been assured one thing could be resolved, so from our facet, there’s no vital shift in planning,” he added.
Additionally READ: Sourav Ganguly reacts to Pakistan’s u-turn on boycott stance against India at T20 World Cup 2026
Ten Doeschate on the problem for India in opposition to Pakistan
The marquee conflict shall be performed on the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo — a venue the place Pakistan are already effectively settled. The Males in Inexperienced have been based mostly within the Sri Lankan capital for practically two weeks, enjoying their preliminary group matches on the Sinhalese Sports activities Membership. That prolonged keep, in keeping with Ten Doeschate, might present Pakistan with a refined however significant benefit.
“It’s going to be a problem going to Colombo the place Pakistan have been for the final two weeks. They’ve had time to adapt to the circumstances, the climate, and the pitches. We perceive that and respect it,” Ten Doeschate defined.
Pakistan have additionally loved a four-day break between their second group fixture on February 10 and the India encounter on February 15 — a window that enables them to get well and fine-tune their technique. India, however, face a much more compact schedule. They’re set to play Namibia in Delhi on Thursday earlier than flying to Colombo on February 13 — leaving minimal time to regulate to native circumstances earlier than the blockbuster showdown.
Additionally READ: Sanjay Bangar suggests one change in India’s bowling combination for Namibia clash at T20 World Cup 2026
