Former Cricketers Predict India's Victory in T20 World Cup Final Against New Zealand

As the T20 World Cup final approaches, former Indian cricketers are rallying behind the national team, expressing confidence in their ability to secure victory against New Zealand. Kedar Jadhav and Ajay Sharma highlight India's strong momentum and match-winners, while Nayan Mongia praises the bowling attack. Coach Ashok Aswalkar emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the need for key players to perform. With the match set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the excitement builds as India aims for its third T20 World Cup title.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 8, 2026, 18:33 IST

Former Cricketers Back India's 'Strong Momentum'

Kedar Jadhav, a former Indian cricketer, expressed his confidence in India's chances of winning the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand on Sunday. He highlighted the team's strong performance in batting, bowling, and fielding. Jadhav also praised Sanju Samson, calling him his "favorite player" and noted that playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad gives India a significant home advantage. As India aims for its third ICC T20 World Cup title, New Zealand, the 2021 World Test Champions, seeks their first limited-overs world title. Jadhav stated, "The way the Indian team is maintaining its momentum in all three departments is impressive. The home crowd support will be crucial, and I believe India will lift the trophy today."

Ajay Sharma, another former cricketer and head coach for Jammu & Kashmir, echoed Jadhav's sentiments, asserting that India's team is exceptionally strong with numerous match-winners. He remarked, "India's team is very strong. No one can underestimate them. They consistently play good cricket, making them favorites to win the World Cup final against New Zealand."

Mongia Praises Bowling, Warns Against Complacency

Nayan Mongia, a former Indian player, believes India holds an advantage in the T20 World Cup final due to their impressive performances and outstanding fielding. However, he cautioned that victory will not come easily. Mongia praised India's bowling, stating it is superior to that of both teams and suggested that the toss may not significantly impact the match outcome. He predicted a high-scoring game, saying, "The team's performance and exceptional fielding efforts are commendable. I think India will have the upper hand, but it won't be easy. Given India's performance, I don't think the toss will matter much, and both teams will likely aim to bat first."

'Suryakumar Handles Captaincy Pressure Well': Coach

Ashok Aswalkar, the childhood coach of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, expressed his confidence in the team's ability to win the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of collective effort and faith in achieving victory. Aswalkar also mentioned the need for opener Abhishek Sharma to regain his form and praised Yadav for managing captaincy pressure effectively. He stated, "We will win the final. I have faith, and the team shares this belief. Everyone will contribute. I hope Abhishek Sharma scores runs today, and Suryakumar Yadav needs to perform well in the final."

Squads

New Zealand Squad

Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

India Squad

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav.