As excitement grows for one of Cricket’s major rivalries, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has noted that the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match against Pakistan will be challenging. Despite some political uncertainty affecting preparations, the Indian team remains focused.
India ready for the important match: Ryan ten Doeschate
Speaking in Delhi on Tuesday, a day after Pakistan confirmed they would participate in the February 15 group-stage match, Ten Doeschate expressed satisfaction that the game is on track. He emphasized that India had been preparing with the expectation that the high-profile match would occur.
“First of all, it’s great that the game’s back on,” Ten Doeschate told reporters ahead of India’s match against Namibia.
“We never really changed our preparation thinking it wouldn’t happen. We were confident something would be resolved, so from our side, there’s no major change in planning,” he added.
Ten Doeschate on India’s challenge against Pakistan
The match will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where Pakistan has been established for nearly two weeks, playing initial group matches at the Sinhalese Sports Club. This extended stay may offer Pakistan a subtle advantage, according to Ten Doeschate.
“It’s going to be a challenge going to Colombo where Pakistan have been for the last two weeks. They’ve had time to adjust to the conditions, the weather, and the pitches. We understand and respect that,” Ten Doeschate explained.
Pakistan is also benefiting from a four-day break between their second group match on February 10 and the game against India on February 15, allowing them time to recover and adjust their strategy. In contrast, India will play Namibia in Delhi on Thursday before traveling to Colombo on February 13, leaving them little time to adapt before the crucial match.
