‘Whoever comes against them will be completely destroyed’: Irfan Pathan warns world as India look unbeatable ahead of T20 World Cup

NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has delivered a ringing endorsement of the current Indian T20 side, declaring that it looks “almost impossible to beat” as the defending champions continue their ruthless march ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

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Pathan’s remarks came after India thrashed New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I at Guwahati to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The former cricketer believes India’s fearless, ultra-aggressive batting is not just winning matches but also sending a clear warning to rivals ahead of the global showpiece.




Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said the manner in which India has dominated New Zealand is a statement to the rest of the cricketing world. “It seems almost impossible to beat this Indian team. It looks like whoever comes against them will be completely destroyed. That’s the kind of cricket they are playing,” Pathan said, underlining the pressure India are putting on even the strongest opponents.

In the third T20I, New Zealand posted 153/9 after being asked to bat first at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. India made light work of the chase, racing to the target in just 10 overs despite losing Sanju Samson for a golden duck. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blistering 68 not out off just 20 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes at a staggering strike rate of 340, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav smashed an unbeaten 57 off 26 deliveries.


Pathan highlighted how India’s mindset never wavers, even after losing early wickets. “Even when wickets fall early, like Sanju Samson getting out on the first ball, there’s no change in their approach. They still managed to score 16 runs in the same over. As a bowler, you feel safe after taking a wicket, but there’s no safe zone against this Indian team,” he explained.

The former left-arm pacer added that India’s brand of cricket is intimidating the biggest teams in the world. “Their approach scares teams like Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies. The Indian team is playing unreal cricket,” he said, warning that opponents heading into the World Cup have “no margin for error”.

India will co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka from February 7 and will aim to retain the title they won in 2024 under Rohit Sharma.

“The Indian team is absolutely terrifying other teams ahead of the World Cup,” Pathan reiterated, summing up the mood around a side that currently looks a step ahead of the rest.


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