'They have got all their bases covered' - JP Duminy weighs in on India's bowling attack ahead of Super Eight challenge | Exclusive

Former South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy has given his verdict on India’s bowling attack in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Suryakumar Yadav-led unit boasts plenty of versatility and skill in the department, with each bowler bringing something different to the table.

Jasprit Bumrah, unarguably India’s biggest strength, has the ability to bowl in every phase of the match, as evidenced by his ever-changing role in the team. From bowling three of his four overs in the powerplay during the Asia Cup 2025 to, at times, not bowling any in the ongoing World Cup, he has displayed immense flexibility. In usual circumstances, his four overs are split equally in the powerplay and death.  

In Arshdeep Singh, India have a genuine wicket-taker who swings and seams the new ball in the powerplay and stems the flow of runs at the death with his variations and change of pace.

Hardik Pandya provides India with enviable flexibility and operates across multiple phases of the game like Bumrah and Arshdeep. Shivam Dube, the other seam-bowling all-rounder, serves as an able backup to Pandya, chipping in with overs during the powerplay and middle-overs.

India’s spin department is spearheaded by No. 1-ranked mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has a plethora of variations in his armoury, and such is the depth of talent that Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist-spinner who would be a no-brainer in any XI without exception, struggles to get a consistent run.

In addition to the frontline spinners, the hosts have the all-round skills of left-arm spinner Axar Patel, renowned for his accuracy, and off-spinner Washington Sundar, who has proven credentials in the shortest format.

It was no surprise, then, that Duminy described India’s attack as “settled” and one that covers all the bases.

“I think they're nice and settled. You've got real strike forces, particularly from a seam and a spin point of view. Arshdeep [Singh] can swing the ball, and [Jasprit] Bumrah has great pace and accuracy,” Duminy said in the latest episode of Mr Cricket UAE podcast.

“Axar [Patel], who provides control, but still has the ability to strike. And Varun [Chakravarthy], the mystery of Varun is a real X factor for India. So, they have got all their bases covered,” he added.