Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has stirred up an interesting debate by leaving out Jasprit Bumrah while naming India’s two biggest threats in the T20 format. Despite Bumrah’s unmatched stature in world cricket, Ashwin believes that teams heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 will have far more to worry about when facing Varun Chakravarthy and Abhishek Sharma.

Bumrah has been India’s spearhead across formats since his debut in 2016, and his sensational performance in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, where he was crowned Player of the Tournament for his 15 wickets, further solidified his legendary status. Yet, Ashwin feels the dynamics have shifted.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin explained that opposition teams will now prioritise strategies against Varun and Abhishek rather than Bumrah.

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“If any team wants to win the T20 World Cup in India, they will have to master two factors,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “Earlier, I would say handling Jasprit Bumrah. But now, after watching how Tim David played Varun Chakravarthy, I feel teams will gun for Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy if they want to get past India.”

Ashwin elaborated that Abhishek’s recent struggles against Australia’s short-ball ploy will likely be noted by teams preparing for Indian conditions.

“Against Abhishek Sharma, they will take a cue from the plan Australia used in this series. And whoever arrives for the World Cup will come prepared for Varun Chakravarthy as well, because that gives teams tactical leverage,” he added.

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Meanwhile, India continued their impressive run in the ongoing series, defeating Australia in the fourth T20I to take a 2-1 lead. Defending 167, India bowled Australia out for 119 in 18.2 overs. Washington Sundar led the bowling card with a remarkable 3/3, while Shivam Dube and Axar Patel chipped in with two wickets each.

Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh also picked up one wicket apiece, helping India clinch a commanding 48-run win. The series now heads to Brisbane, where the final match is scheduled for November 8.