IND vs NZ: All possible changes in India's 11 for T20 World Cup 2026 final

IND vs NZ final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8.

India have made it into final of T20 World Cup for the second consecutive time and will take on New Zealand in the summit clash of 2026 edition. The game between the two heavyweights is all set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.

Both the teams will be high on confidence entering into the final. While, India defeated England by seven runs in a high-scoring affair, New Zealand thrashed South Africa, who were unbeaten in the tournament, by 9 wickets.

The head to head record in T20 World Cups favours New Zealand as they have defeated India in all three outings. But India’s recent series win over the Black Caps before T20 World Cup would give them an edge and the fact that they are playing at home will be an added advantage.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led side has had few concerns in the tournament. In the last game too, where they posted over 250 runs, they struggled to defend. With all-important final around the corner, they would want to play their best XI and defend their title. On that note, let’s take a look at three changes they might make for T20 World Cup 2026 final.

3 changes India could make for IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 final

1) Rinku Singh in place of Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma has been having a horrible campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026. He started the tournament with three ducks and has slammed just one half-century, which came against Zimbabwe. It was expected that he would return amongst runs in semi-final, but yet again failed as he score just 9 runs.

With India needing a solid start from their openers in the final, Abhishek might get replaced by Rinku Singh. This will allow Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to open the batting. Rinku’s inclusion will lengthen the Indian batting lineup and he, along with Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, can play the finisher’s role in the final against New Zealand.

2) Kuldeep Yadav in place of Varun Chakravarthy

Varun has picked up a wicket in every game that India have played in the tournament, having picked 13 wickets so far. However, in Super 8s as well as in semi-final, he looked out of sorts. He conceded 47 against the Proteas and 40 against the West Indies and then against England in semi-final, he went for more than 60 runs.

The opposition batters have read him well from the hand and New Zealand are expected to do the same. With Kuldeep Yadav in the wings, this is a good time to bring him into the XI instead of Varun, who looks to be under pressure at the moment. Kuldeep played the match against Pakistan, picking up 1/14.

3) Mohammed Siraj in place of Arshdeep Singh

There is also a chance of Arshdeep Singh getting replaced by Mohammed Siraj. Arshdeep was taken to cleaners in the semi-final and also bowled quite a few wides. With him not being in great rhythm, Siraj could be ideal player to replace him.

Siraj, who was named as a replacement for Harshit Rana, played in India’s tournament opener against USA, and picked up 3/29. That was the only game he played and he might be called back into the XI in place of Arshdeep in the final.

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