Ashwin’s Big Call: Why Ravichandran Ashwin Makes Pakistan T20 World Cup Favorites

Few voices in world cricket carry the weight of Ravichandran Ashwin. When he speaks, fans listen. When he predicts, experts debate. And when he backs a team, suddenly the spotlight burns brighter.

So when Ravichandran Ashwin publicly flagged Pakistan as a serious contender for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, it wasn’t just casual praise — it was a statement that shook the cricketing world.

His comment on X — “This KM Nafay is a player to keep an eye on this World Cup” — wasn’t just about one player. It was about belief in an entire system, a squad, and a style of cricket that Pakistan has quietly rebuilt over the last two years.

This article breaks down why Ashwin’s big call makes sense, why Pakistan truly looks like Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 favorites, and what fans should expect in this high-stakes tournament.

The Spark That Started It All: Ashwin’s Bold Praise

Cricket fans are used to former legends making safe predictions. But Ashwin rarely does that.

His focus on Khawaja Mohammad Nafay was revealing.

Why?

Because Ashwin didn’t talk about Pakistan’s superstars like Babar Azam or Shaheen Shah Afridi first. Instead, he highlighted a young, fearless power-hitter — the kind of player who wins modern T20 tournaments.

Ashwin has seen hundreds of cricketers up close. When he singles out a 23-year-old, that matters.

And that is exactly why his comment carries weight.

Who Is Khawaja Mohammad Nafay — And Why Does He Matter?

Let’s talk about Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, because he is central to Ashwin’s belief in Pakistan.

Nafay isn’t a household name — yet.

But his numbers tell a powerful story:

• 12 matches for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League

• 234 runs at a strike rate of 130

• Two crucial half-centuries

• Match-winning finishing ability

Then came the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, where Nafay lit up the tournament:

• 151 runs in just five matches

• Strike rate of 284.90

• Third-highest run-scorer

• Helped Pakistan Shaheens lift the trophy

In T20 cricket, players like Nafay — fearless, explosive, and adaptable — often make the difference between winning and losing big tournaments.

Ashwin knows this better than most.

Why Pakistan Looks Different This Time

In previous World Cups, Pakistan often depended too heavily on individual brilliance.

This time, the team looks more balanced, modern, and tactical.

1. Strong Leadership Core

Captain Salman Ali Agha brings calmness and cricketing brainpower.

He is not flashy — but he is smart, steady, and trusted by teammates.

2. World-Class Bowling Attack

Pakistan’s pace battery is lethal:

• Shaheen Shah Afridi — left-arm pace, swing, and death overs control

• Naseem Shah — raw speed and bounce

• Abrar Ahmed — mystery spin

Add Shadab Khan for all-round balance, and you have a nightmare attack for any batting lineup.

3. Firepower in Batting

Pakistan’s top order can explode:

• Babar Azam — technique + timing

• Fakhar Zaman — aggressive match-winner

• Saim Ayub — rising star

And now, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay adds finishing power in the middle.

Pakistan’s Road to Glory — The Schedule

Pakistan begins its campaign in Colombo:

• Feb 7 — vs Netherlands

• Feb 10 — vs USA

• Feb 15 — vs India (the blockbuster clash)

• Feb 18 — vs Namibia

Then comes the Super Eight round from Feb 21 to Mar 1 in Colombo and Kolkata.

Semi-finals:

• March 3

• March 5

Final:

• March 8 in either Ahmedabad or Colombo.

This schedule suits Pakistan — familiar conditions, turning pitches, and hot weather.

Anecdote: When Pakistan Shocked the World

Let’s rewind to the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Pakistan crushed India by 10 wickets in Dubai — a moment etched in cricket history.

No one expected it.

But Pakistan did it anyway.

That game showed something powerful: when Pakistan plays with freedom, belief, and discipline, they can beat anyone.

Ashwin remembers that night.

So do millions of fans.

That memory is why his latest praise feels real — not emotional.

Step-by-Step: How Pakistan Can Win the World Cup

Here is a simple, fan-friendly roadmap:

Step 1 — Win early matches

Beat Netherlands and USA to build confidence.

Step 2 — Peak against India

Bring best bowling plans and fearless batting.

Step 3 — Use spin smartly in Colombo

Let Abrar and Shadab control the middle overs.

Step 4 — Back Nafay in pressure moments

Trust Khawaja Mohammad Nafay as a finisher.

Step 5 — Stay calm in knockouts

No panic cricket. Smart, composed decisions.

If Pakistan follows this plan, the trophy is within reach.

Why Ashwin’s Call Matters

Ashwin is not a Pakistan supporter — he is a cricket realist.

His analysis usually focuses on:

• Conditions

• Squad balance

• Matchups

• Player temperament

By backing Pakistan, he is essentially saying: “This team is built for T20 glory.”

That kind of endorsement boosts morale and puts pressure on rivals.

Pakistan’s Full Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

• Salman Ali Agha (c)

• Abrar Ahmed

• Babar Azam

• Faheem Ashraf

• Fakhar Zaman

• Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk)

• Mohammad Nawaz

• Mohammad Salman Mirza

• Naseem Shah

• Sahibzada Farhan (wk)

• Saim Ayub

• Shaheen Shah Afridi

• Shadab Khan

• Usman Khan (wk)

• Usman Tariq

Balanced. Dangerous. Unpredictable.

Classic Pakistan.

Are They Favorites?

Thanks to Ashwin’s big call, Pakistan is now firmly in the conversation as Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 favorites.

They have:

• Match-winning bowlers

• Explosive batters

• Rising stars like Khawaja Mohammad Nafay

• Experience under pressure

• Familiar playing conditions

Most importantly — belief.

And when Pakistan believes, history shows they are nearly impossible to stop.

As the tournament kicks off on February 7, one thing is certain:

All eyes will be on Pakistan — just as Ravichandran Ashwin predicted.

Let the games begin. 🇵🇰🔥

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