India chased down 196 against the West Indies on Sunday to book their place in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026, with Sanju Samson steering the pursuit through an unbeaten 97 and sealing the win with the final blow.
While Samson grabbed the headlines, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the victory was equally shaped by the way the Indian team managed their bowling resources particularly the use of Jasprit Bumrah.
In a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel, Irfan Khan credited captain Suryakumar Yadav’s tactical awareness for India restricting the Shai Hope-led side to a manageable total. According to him, the timing of Bumrah’s spells proved decisive.
“Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team managed the game very well because using Bumrah is not an easy task. Normally, you would want him to bowl the first or second over. But here, there were crucial match-ups to consider,” Irfan said.
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He pointed out that the plan revolved around Shimron Hetmyer, who had smashed 17 sixes in the tournament prior to this game.
“Hetmyer is a powerful batter and Bumrah had dismissed him five times before. So they were waiting for that moment. When Bumrah bowled one over in the powerplay and was then brought back once Hetmyer came in, he didn’t disappoint.”
Hetmyer was restricted to 27, unable to unleash his usual finishing assault, a factor Irfan believes tilted the contest in India’s favour.
“There will always be discussion around certain decisions, but Bumrah once again put Hetmyer under pressure and delivered,” he added.
India, the defending champions, will now face England in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5. Their bowling attack, once again, could hold the key in the knockout clash.
