Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali believes India’s spin-heavy attack could be the decisive factor against Pakistan in the marquee T20 World Cup clash scheduled for Sunday, February 15, in Colombo. Speaking on a podcast with Anis Sajan, Moeen underlined how India’s variety in spin — especially on slow, gripping surfaces — can suffocate Pakistan’s batting if they don’t adapt quickly.

The former spinner pointed to the guile and control of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy as potential game-changers on the tacky R. Premadasa Stadium pitch. Add Washington Sundar into the mix, and India suddenly has multiple angles to challenge Pakistan’s right- and left-handed batters through the middle overs.

“If I were picking India’s XI, Kuldeep would be a must-play. He’s a bigger threat to Pakistan than any other bowler in these conditions,” Moeen Ali noted, stressing how wrist-spin often thrives in Colombo.

However, slotting in Kuldeep could force a tough call at the selection table, potentially at the cost of an extra batter like Rinku Singh. The move is tempting, though, given Kuldeep’s impressive track record against Pakistan’s talisman Babar Azam, including a match-defining four-wicket haul in a recent Asia Cup final.

Pakistan, for their part, are no stranger to spin-friendly battles. Their arsenal features the mystery of Usman Tariq, the versatility of Saim Ayub, and the pace of Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz. Tariq’s side-arm action has already become a talking point, setting up a fascinating sub-plot against India’s middle order.

With pressure, politics, and pride in the background, India will lean on spin, composure, and middle-order stability to keep their edge in yet another high-voltage chapter of this rivalry.