Image Source: ICC-X
Kuldeep Yadav or Varun, who will play today's match?: The biggest day of the T20 World Cup 2026 has arrived. The final match between India and New Zealand will be played today (Sunday, March 8) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST. The entire nation is watching this match, but a big question remains for Team India: will Kuldeep Yadav replace Varun Chakaravarthy in the playing XI today? Let's find out what Team India's strategy could be before the match begins.
Will Kuldeep Yadav replace Varun in the final match?
Image Source: ICC-X
Varun Chakaravarthy started the tournament very well, but has proven to be quite expensive in the last few matches. In the semi-final, he conceded 64 runs in 4 overs, which has increased the concerns of captain Suryakumar Yadav. It seems that the opposition batsmen have read his 'mystery' spin. Due to Varun's poor form, there are now calls to play the experienced Kuldeep Yadav.
Kuldeep Yadav in the Final: A Better Option
Image Source: ICC-X
Playing Kuldeep Yadav in the final could prove to be a masterstroke for India. There are three main reasons behind this:
- Pitch Advantage: The Ahmedabad ground is quite large, where a wrist spinner like Kuldeep has a greater chance of getting wickets.
- Experience: Kuldeep has always performed well in big matches. They have the ability to handle pressure.
- Kiwi batsmen's weakness: New Zealand batsmen often get caught out by spin, and Kuldeep's googly can put them in big trouble.
New Zealand's challenge: Kiwis in excellent form
Image Source: ICC-X
Taking New Zealand lightly could prove costly. Their openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are in tremendous form right now. They thrashed the South African bowlers in the semi-finals. The Kiwi team, led by Mitchell Santner, has a strong balance, so India will have to field their best playing eleven.
Also Read: 3 Players to Watch Out For in the IND vs NZ Final Match
Final Verdict: Kuldeep or Varun, who will play today's match?
Image Source: ICC-X
Although captain Surya and coach Gautam Gambhir typically don't change the winning combination, form matters in a big match like the final. Given Varun's recent bowling, Kuldeep Yadav appears to have the upper hand. Kuldeep's record on the Ahmedabad pitch makes him a better option than Varun.
IND vs NZ Final: Probable Playing 11 for both teams
India's playing 11 against New Zealand
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Shivam Dube
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav / Varun Chakaravarthy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
Also Read: New Zealand T20I Record at Narendra Modi Stadium, T20 World Cup 2026 Final
New Zealand's playing 11 against India
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Finn Allen
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Cole McConchie
- Matt Henry
- Lockie Ferguson
Also Read: IND vs NZ Today Cricket Match Preview, Pitch Report, Player Form, Final Match
Disclaimer
Possible11 is a sports news and analysis platform designed purely for entertainment and educational purposes. All match previews, player insights, and team analyses are based on publicly available information and expert opinions. We do not promote or support betting, gambling, or real-money gaming in any form. Users are encouraged to enjoy our content responsibly and use it for informational purposes only.
Give Your Feedback