India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Players: India could consider a key change in its playing XI when it faces New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The team management is likely to review the bowling combination ahead of the title clash. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav could replace Varun Chakravarthy in the lineup after the latter struggled to control runs in recent matches. Kuldeep last played a T20 international for India against Pakistan national cricket team on Feb. 15 and could return for the high-pressure final. There are also discussions around the opening combination. Abhishek Sharma is expected to retain his place at the top, although options such as Rinku Singh or Washington Sundar remain alternatives if the team management opts for a tactical change.
India’s batting lineup will continue to rely on the form of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, while captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to anchor the middle order. All-rounder Hardik Pandya will play a crucial role with both bat and ball, supported by Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube in the middle order. Vice-captain Axar Patel adds balance to the side with his left-arm spin and lower-order batting, while the pace attack is expected to be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, is also likely to field a settled side for the final after an impressive semifinal performance.
Likely Playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.
