In a crucial T20 World Cup clash at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bat first against the Netherlands on Wednesday. This decision came in the 36th match of the tournament, with Team India making two strategic changes to their lineup.
Kuldeep Yadav was replaced by Arshdeep Singh, bringing pace into the mix, while Axar Patel made way for Washington Sundar, adding spin variety and batting depth. The move signals India’s intent to post a big total on what Yadav described as a ‘good pitch.’
Speaking after the toss, Suryakumar was upbeat: ‘We’re batting first. The pitch looks good, and we want to put runs on the board to put pressure on their bowlers. The camp atmosphere is fantastic, and the boys are playing the cricket I want.’ He confirmed the changes, noting Axar Patel is resting.
Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards, who would have also batted first, remains optimistic. ‘It’s a good wicket, and this is our chance to end the campaign on a high. We’re giving 100 percent today,’ he said, announcing one change in their XI.
India, already qualified for Super 8s with a hat-trick of wins—29 runs over USA, 93 over Namibia, and 61 over Pakistan—tops Group A. Netherlands, out of title contention with two losses in three, sits fourth.
India’s Playing XI: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
Netherlands’ Playing XI: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (wk/c), Jake Lion-Cachet, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Noah Croes.
As the action unfolds, all eyes are on whether India can maintain their dominance and give fans another thrilling performance before advancing.