Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Paras Mhambrey says Hardik, Axar and Dube’s depth along with Bumrah–Arshdeep pairing is India’s biggest strength
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, the Indian team looks well-prepared with strong balance and depth. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes that India’s all-round strength and fast-bowling attack are currently in prime form, putting the defending champions in a solid position to retain their title.
Mhambrey said that India has an excellent combination of all-rounders in Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. All three provide different options with both bat and ball, giving the team flexibility in various match situations. Since India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, the trio has delivered consistent performances, strengthening the team’s overall balance.
Hardik Pandya has played 29 T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup, scoring 579 runs at a strike rate of 155 and picking up 21 wickets. According to Mhambrey, Hardik’s fitness and bowling rhythm are crucial for the team, and he appears to be moving in the right direction. Axar Patel, meanwhile, has played 27 matches in the same period, scoring 233 runs and taking 28 wickets. Axar’s biggest strength has been his ability to play the role of a floater, batting effectively both up and down the order as per the team’s needs.
Shivam Dube has also added a new dimension to the side. Known for his power-hitting, Dube has scored 347 runs in 26 matches at a strike rate of 175. Along with his batting, he has contributed with the ball as well, picking up key wickets at crucial moments. Mhambrey described Dube as a “golden arm”, highlighting his ability to deliver unexpected breakthroughs even when bowling limited overs.
India’s fast-bowling department has been further strengthened by the impressive partnership of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Bumrah, who was the Player of the Tournament in the 2024 World Cup, has taken 18 wickets in 15 innings since then. Arshdeep has been equally effective, claiming 39 wickets in 23 innings and recently registering his second five-wicket haul in T20 internationals. Mhambrey noted that the right-arm–left-arm combination allows the team to control different phases of the game, from the powerplay to the death overs.
Addressing concerns over workload management, Mhambrey said key players like Bumrah and Hardik are expected to feature in all World Cup matches. He emphasized that maintaining momentum ahead of a major tournament is vital. Overall, the Indian team appears confident, settled and well-equipped to defend its T20 World Cup crown.