T20 WC 2026 final: Varun’s struggles leave India weighing Kuldeep Yadav option

As India prepare to face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, concerns over Varun Chakaravarthy’s recent form have prompted discussions about bringing Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI

1. 👁 India arrived in Ahmedabad for the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand carrying the tag of favourites a
   

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   India arrived in Ahmedabad for the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand carrying the tag of favourites and standing one step away from becoming the first team to successfully defend the tournament title (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

1. 👁 The form of Abhishek Sharma, widely regarded as one of the world’s best T20 batsmen, and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has remained under scrutiny during the latter stages of the tournament
   

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   Despite their strong campaign and top ranking in the format, India still face a lingering concern ahead of the final. The form of Abhishek Sharma, widely regarded as one of the world’s best T20 batsmen, and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has remained under scrutiny during the latter stages of the tournament (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

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   While India’s batting unit managed to compensate for Abhishek Sharma’s lack of runs, the bowling attack has not enjoyed similar cover when Varun Chakaravarthy struggled. (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

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   On occasions when he failed to control the middle overs, India’s bowling appeared less effective and allowed opposition teams to accelerate (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

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   Varun Chakaravarthy has taken 13 wickets in the tournament and is tied for the most wickets overall, yet his performances in the Super 8 stage have raised questions. During that phase he averaged 46.5 and conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.62, indicating a noticeable dip in control compared with earlier matches (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

1. 👁 Even though Varun managed to dismiss Jos Buttler during that spell after initially conceding three sixes, England’s Jacob Bethell
   

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   Even though Varun managed to dismiss Jos Buttler during that spell after initially conceding three sixes, England’s Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks continued the assault, exposing difficulties for the spinner when conditions offered little turn and batsmen attacked with confidence. (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

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   During the match, wicketkeeper Sanju Samson was heard advising him in Tamil to take more time before delivering the ball, a suggestion that reflected the pressure he faced as the runs continued to flow. (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

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   Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin later analysed the spell and said in reported remarks that Varun had not bowled particularly poorly but questioned why he continued bowling around the stumps to left-handers, adding that in T20 cricket bowlers must sometimes switch to defensive strategies to disrupt the batsman’s rhythm when conditions favour the batting side. (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

1. 👁 With Ahmedabad expected to produce another batting-friendly surface, India might now consider introducing Kuldeep Yadav as
   

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   With Ahmedabad expected to produce another batting-friendly surface, India might now consider introducing Kuldeep Yadav as an alternative spin option. Kuldeep’s ability to spin the ball both ways and his variety could provide an additional attacking option in the middle overs against New Zealand (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)

1. 👁 Before the tournament began, India had decided that only one of Varun Chakaravarthy or Kuldeep Yadav would feature in the playing XI for balance
   

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   Before the tournament began, India had decided that only one of Varun Chakaravarthy or Kuldeep Yadav would feature in the playing XI for balance, with Kuldeep appearing only once earlier in the competition. However, as New Zealand prepare for the final with their tactically disciplined batting line-up, India are weighing whether the conditions and opposition strengths could force a change in their spin combination (Source: Photo by Narendra Vaskar)