Kris Srikkanth blasts Mike Hesson, tears into Pakistan’s toss blunder against India
Former Indian Captain Kris Srikkanth Criticizes Pakistan Coach Mike Hesson’s Strategy
After India’s dominant 61-run victory over Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2026 group match in Colombo, former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan coach Mike Hesson. The match in Colombo was completely one-sided, with India outplaying their rivals from start to finish.
Pakistan’s Strategic Mistake
Pakistan won the toss but chose to bowl first, a decision that Srikkanth believes cost them the match even before India’s explosive batting display in Colombo. Srikkanth emphasized that batting first and setting a total on a wicket like Colombo was always the better option. He criticized Pakistan for making it easy for India by inviting them to bat first.
Srikkanth also questioned Mike Hesson’s strategy, drawing parallels to his time with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL where they never clinched the title. He suggested that Pakistan is facing a similar situation, struggling in crucial moments.
Ishan Kishan’s Impact
India managed to post a formidable total of 175 for 7 after being put in to bat, with Ishan Kishan playing a pivotal role. Kishan’s explosive innings of 77 runs off just 40 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes, put Pakistan under immense pressure. Srikkanth highlighted Kishan’s smart cricketing acumen and his impressive journey to the national team.
Srikkanth praised Ishan Kishan for his intelligence on the field, stating, “Hats off to this boy,” and commended his stunning comeback to the national side after shining in domestic cricket. He emphasized the crucial five-over period where Kishan’s aggressive batting shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor.
Criticism of Pakistan’s Captaincy
Srikkanth criticized Pakistan’s captaincy under Salman Ali Agha, suggesting that batting first and scoring around 150 or 160 could have made the contest more competitive. He questioned the overall quality of Pakistan’s batting and bowling units, labeling them as weak in all departments.
Srikkanth concluded by stating, “Even a kid would have known to bat first after winning the toss on this wicket. It was ridiculous captaincy.” He highlighted the flaws in Pakistan’s system and compared their batting lineup unfavorably to that of the USA.
Conclusion
In summary, Kris Srikkanth’s criticism of Pakistan’s strategy and performance against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 sheds light on the strategic errors that cost Pakistan the match. His analysis of the key moments and players like Ishan Kishan provides valuable insights into India’s dominant victory and Pakistan’s shortcomings. As the tournament progresses, teams will need to reassess their strategies to stay competitive in the high-stakes matches ahead.
Analysis of India’s Bowling Performance
While Kris Srikkanth’s criticism focused primarily on Pakistan’s strategy and performance, it is essential to analyze India’s bowling as well. The Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, played a crucial role in restricting Pakistan’s chase and securing the victory.
Bumrah’s impeccable line and length, coupled with his ability to deliver yorkers under pressure, put Pakistan’s batsmen on the back foot from the start. His early wickets set the tone for the rest of the bowling attack, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja providing excellent support.
It was India’s disciplined bowling performance that complemented their strong batting display, showcasing the team’s balance and depth in both departments. Srikkanth’s analysis could have delved deeper into the impact of India’s bowlers in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Implications for Pakistan’s Campaign
As Pakistan regroups after their defeat against India, they will need to address the strategic flaws highlighted by Srikkanth. The decision-making process, especially regarding batting first or second, will be under scrutiny as they prepare for upcoming matches in the tournament.
Mike Hesson and Salman Ali Agha will face added pressure to reassess their tactics and make necessary adjustments to avoid similar outcomes in the future. The criticism from former players like Srikkanth can serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan to refine their approach and showcase their true potential in the T20 World Cup.
Lessons for Future Matches
India’s comprehensive victory over Pakistan serves as a reminder to all teams participating in the T20 World Cup of the importance of strategic decision-making and adaptability. The ability to read the conditions, understand the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition, and execute plans effectively will be crucial in determining success in the tournament.
Teams will need to learn from matches like India vs. Pakistan and incorporate those lessons into their game plans moving forward. The T20 format demands quick thinking, innovative strategies, and the ability to perform under pressure, making every match a learning opportunity for teams aiming to lift the trophy.
Looking Ahead
As the T20 World Cup 2026 progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, surprising upsets, and tactical battles between top cricketing nations. The insights provided by analysts like Kris Srikkanth offer a unique perspective on the intricacies of the game, enriching the viewing experience for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
With teams constantly evolving, adapting, and refining their strategies, the remainder of the tournament promises to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments on the cricket field. Stay tuned for more action-packed matches and intriguing narratives as the quest for T20 World Cup glory continues.


