'He is a top T20 player' - Umar Gul chooses between Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for T20 World fixture against Pakistan | Exclusive

After two consecutive wins against the USA and Namibia, India have got off to a rollicking start to their T20 World Cup defence. While their win in the campaign opener against the USA was a narrow escape, they hammered Namibia by 93 runs in the second tie.

However, Team India will enter the clash against their arch-rivals, Pakistan, with a minor selection headache over whether to include Abhishek Sharma, who was recently down with a stomach bug, or Sanju Samson as a fellow opener alongside Ishan Kishan.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul weighed in on the debate and said that, should Abhishek be fully fit, he should walk straight into India’s playing XI for the marquee T20 World Cup clash against the Green Shirts on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

"Abhishek Sharma is a top T20 player," Gul said during his appearance on the latest episode of the Mr Cricket UAE Podcast. "I think he would walk straight into India's XI if he regains his fitness in the nick of time, and Sanju Samson would have to warm the bench again."

Gul stressed that the Men in Blue must be worried that their middle and lower order haven't arrived at the party yet, with several of its players still searching for form and rhythm.

"I think India's middle order hasn't quite delivered as per expectations in the last two games, and that may be a sign of concern for them as they have a lot of tough games lined up against formidable opponents who wield a potent bowling attack. They must have discussed this in their dressing room and would like to conjure something to resolve the middle-order crisis," Gull added.

Umar Gul shares verdict on Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in India's Playing XI

Gul also said that India would like to draft Kuldeep Yadav in their playing XI "at the expense of a seamer" as the left-arm wrist spinner has a wonderful record against Pakistan.

"Kuldeep has a really good track record against Pakistan. Therefore, based on the conditions in Colombo and also going by his performance against Pakistan, I feel India would like to draft Kuldeep into their playing XI at the expense of a seamer," Gul mentioned.

"I think Team India would not like to compromise on their batting strength and would rest Arshdeep Singh to include Kuldeep in the XI."