As India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, tough questions surround opener Abhishek Sharma and spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. Fans and pundits are calling for their exclusion from the playing XI after dismal campaigns.
Abhishek Sharma’s tournament has been a nightmare. In seven innings, the left-hander managed just 89 runs, with a batting average of 12.71 and strike rate of 130. He started disastrously, getting out for ducks in all three group stage matches. His only bright spot was a 55 against Zimbabwe in the Super 8s. Against England in the semi-final, he scored a meager 9 off 7 balls. Scores: 0, 0, 0, 15, 55, 10, 9.
Once seen as India’s trump card at the top, Abhishek’s form has raised serious doubts about his spot in the final lineup.
Varun Chakaravarthy fared no better. In the semi-final against England, his four overs cost 64 runs for one wicket – the second-most expensive spell in T20 World Cup history. Against West Indies in the Super 8s, he leaked 40 runs. Over these two games, Varun took just two wickets while conceding 104 runs. Batsmen have easily picked his variations.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has reached the final for the fourth time and second straight edition. New Zealand makes its second final appearance. No team has defended a T20 World Cup title, nor won it on home soil. History awaits in Ahmedabad, but team selection could be the deciding factor.