India vs NZ Final Playing 11: Abhishek & Varun IN as SKY confirms unchanged team for T20 WC Final
The toss is over at the Narendra Modi Stadium, and the official team sheets are out. Amid intense speculation regarding potential changes for the high-stakes ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final, India has made a definitive call.
Despite their recent struggles with form, Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy are part of the India playing 11 for the T20 World Cup final.
There were strong rumors that power-hitter Rinku Singh and spinner Kuldeep Yadav might replace them after both were seen undergoing extensive net sessions in Ahmedabad. However, the Indian team management has officially decided to stick with the "same combination" that secured their spot in the final.
Following the toss in Ahmedabad, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the team is going in ‘unchanged’.
India vs New Zealand: Official Playing XI for T20 World Cup Final
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dubey
- Axar Patel
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Arshdeep Singh
India enters the final following a heart-stopping 7-run victory over England at the Wankhede Stadium. While India posted a massive 253 runs, it took a masterclass in death bowling from Jasprit Bumrah to stop a rampaging Jacob Bethell, who nearly pulled off a miracle century for England.
Facing New Zealand today is a massive psychological challenge; India has never defeated the Kiwis in a T20 World Cup encounter. By retaining the same XI, India hopes to finally break the "New Zealand jinx" and lift the trophy in front of a record home crowd.