India Prepares for T20 World Cup Final Against New Zealand

As India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar suggests strategic changes to the lineup. With the chance to make history by winning a third title, India faces tough decisions regarding player selections. Gavaskar recommends replacing out-of-form players Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy with Ishan Kishan and Kuldeep Yadav, respectively. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as India seeks to secure back-to-back championships.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 8, 2026, 19:04 IST

Historic T20 World Cup Final Awaits

India is gearing up to face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, scheduled for March 8 (Sunday) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This match holds significant importance as India aims to become the first nation to clinch three T20 World Cups and secure back-to-back titles. To achieve this, a robust playing XI is essential, which may lead to some challenging decisions. Renowned former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that the team consider dropping out-of-form players Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy.

Despite being the top-ranked T20I batter globally, Abhishek Sharma has only managed to score 89 runs in the tournament. In a discussion with a media outlet, Gavaskar expressed his preference for Ishan Kishan to open alongside Sanju Samson, with Rinku Singh stepping into the middle order to replace Sharma. Gavaskar noted that Sharma has consistently fallen victim to the same dismissals, indicating a lack of adaptability in his game. He stated, “It’s a very tough call. Abhishek Sharma is the No. 1 batter in the ICC T20 rankings, but he hasn’t learned from his dismissals. He keeps getting out in the same region where his arms are cramped for room. Bowlers are targeting that area and forcing mistakes. My concern is that he either hasn’t adjusted yet or is unable to change his approach.”

Gavaskar further added, “I would like to see Ishan Kishan open the batting with Sanju Samson, with Rinku Singh coming into the side. Rinku has that belief – you’ve probably seen the ‘God’s Plan’ tattoo on his body – and sometimes things just work out for players like him.”

Strategic Changes Suggested for the Final

Consider Kuldeep Yadav for Varun Chakaravarthy

In addition, Gavaskar recommended bringing Kuldeep Yadav into the squad in place of Varun Chakaravarthy, who has struggled since facing tougher opponents in the Super 8 stage. Gavaskar remarked, “The other change I would consider is bringing in Kuldeep Yadav. Varun Chakaravarthy’s confidence looks shattered at the moment. Since the Super Eight stage, when he faced stronger teams, he has struggled and conceded a lot of runs. At a ground like the Narendra Modi Stadium, with big boundaries, Kuldeep Yadav could be a good option because he can turn the ball even on flat surfaces.”