Former India spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin came down hard on Pakistan following their comprehensive 61-run defeat to India in the 2026 T20 World Cup, identifying the toss as the turning point of the contest.

Speaking on his YouTube channel 'Ash ki Baat,' Ashwin dissected Pakistan's tactical failures in the Colombo encounter.

Ashwin felt Pakistan's decision to bowl first after winning the toss handed India a decisive edge on a surface where chasing has been challenging throughout the tournament.

"Where did they win to lose the plot? Pakistan lost the game when they opted to bowl first after winning the toss because we saw the match between Australia and Zimbabwe. Australia struggled to get 170," Ashwin said.

"In Premadasa Stadium, you can't chase 100 in ten overs. The way Pakistan deals with pressure, India are 100 times better in that aspect. I don't think Pakistan are there."

Ashwin raised questions over captain Salman Ali Agha's bowling changes, particularly the early introduction of Shaheen Afridi instead of exploring alternate match-ups.

"You took Abhishek Sharma's wicket, and he is leaking runs left, right and centre. We noted in the preview how dangerous Ishan Kishan is against left-arm seam. Data tells the truth," he explained.

The former spinner suggested Afridi should have bowled round the wicket to left-handers or been replaced by Saim Ayub.

Ashwin criticized Pakistan's failure to control the death overs. "India were 159 after 19 overs, and Afridi was brought again, and he leaked runs again. Afridi gave away 16 runs in the final over," he added.

India will face the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on Wednesday before the Super 8s.