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The excitement around the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached fever pitch as India prepare to face New Zealand in a high-voltage final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The defending champions, led by Suryakumar Yadav, have enjoyed a dominant campaign throughout the tournament and now stand just one win away from lifting the trophy for the second consecutive time.
India’s journey to the summit clash has been marked by consistent performances from both the batting and bowling units. However, as the team gears up for the biggest match of the tournament, discussions around the playing XI have intensified. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has also weighed in on the debate, suggesting a few bold changes that he believes could strengthen the team’s chances against the Black Caps.
Sunil Gavaskar questions Abhishek Sharma’s place in the final
One of the most surprising suggestions from Gavaskar was regarding young opener Abhishek Sharma. Despite being the No. 1 batter in the ICC T20 rankings, Gavaskar believes the left-hander should be left out of the playing XI for the final due to his repeated dismissals in similar fashion during the tournament. According to Gavaskar, bowlers have clearly identified a weakness in Abhishek’s technique and are repeatedly exploiting it.
“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 said, as quoted by India Today.
The legendary batter suggested that India could reshuffle their top order by bringing Ishan Kishan as opener alongside Sanju Samson, while middle-order power-hitter Rinku Singh could also be drafted into the playing XI.
“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,” the legendary cricketer added.
Gavaskar recommends Kuldeep Yadav over Varun Chakaravarthy
Gavaskar also recommended a change in India’s bowling department, urging the team management to replace out-of-form spinner Varun Chakaravarthy with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the final.
According to him, Varun has struggled in the latter stages of the tournament, especially against stronger opposition. Gavaskar believes Kuldeep’s ability to generate turn even on flat surfaces could prove valuable on the large ground dimensions of the Narendra Modi Stadium.
“The other change I would consider is bringing in Kuldeep Yadav. Varun Chakravarthy’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,” stated Gavaskar.
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