IND vs NZ: 3 reasons why Kuldeep Yadav should play instead of Varun Chakravarthy in T20 World Cup 2026 final

Kuldeep Yadav has played only one match in T20 World Cup 2026.

Indian Cricket Team and New Zealand Cricket Team are set to clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, March 8. Both the sides will take the field at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the summit clash.

While the Men-in-Blue have tried different combinations throughout the tournament, they have retained the same playing XI in the last three games. However, they might make a few changes in the final against New Zealand.

The biggest question for India would be whether to play Kuldeep Yadav or retain Varun Chakravarthy as the frontline spinner. Chakravarthy has done a decent job as he is the leading wicket-taker for the team with 13 scalps at an economy of 8.85.

However, he has also struggled to get breakthroughs at crucial moments and has emerged too expensive since the start of Super 8 stage. In such scenario, Kuldeep can be preferred over him in the final against the Black Caps. Below are three reasons why India should play Kuldeep Yadav in T20 World Cup 2026 final.

3 reasons why Kuldeep Yadav should be part of India’s playing XI in T20 World Cup 2026 final

3. Varun Chakravarthy’s poor form

Varun impressed with performance in the group stage, helping India to dominate the opposition teams in all four matches. However, he struggled in Super 8 round.

For instance, the right-arm spinner clinched one wicket each against South Africa, Zimbabwe, and West Indies in the Super 8. Even in the semi-final against England, he could only get one wicket.

Moreover, the 34-year-old spinner emerged quite expensive in the last four encounters, leaking runs over economy rate of over 10. Against South Africa and England, he conceded 47 and 64 runs in his four-over spells respectively.

2. Kuldeep’s ability to provide breakthroughs in middle-overs

In the last two games against West Indies and England, Chakravarthy failed to dismiss batters in the middle overs. This enabled both teams to post mammoth totals and put pressure on pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the death overs.

Kuldeep, on the other hand, is known for getting breakthroughs at crucial moments. He can execute a better job in the middle-overs.

1. Kuldeep’s performance in Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand

Kuldeep Yadav was part of India’s playing XI in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. With his economical bowling show, he played a key role in restricting the Black Caps from reaching a big total in the first innings.

Across 10 overs, the left-arm orthodox spinner gave away just 40 runs at an economy of 4.0. He clinched two crucial wickets of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, dismantling the opposition’s top order.

Since India have the same opponent in T20 World Cup 2026 final, Yadav’s heroics against New Zealand back his inclusion in the playing XI.

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