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News India Live, Digital Desk: Today, on March 8, 2026, history will be created at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In this great match between India and New Zealand, all eyes are on the combination of the Indian team. Team India is full of confidence after the victory against England in the semi-finals, but there is talk of a major change in the bowling department.
Varun Chakraborty vs Kuldeep Yadav: Who will get the chance?
In the semi-finals, Varun Chakraborty gave away 64 runs in 4 overs, which has increased the concern of the team management. Although Varun has been one of the highest wicket-takers for India in this tournament, the ‘Chinaman’ in the decisive match Kuldeep Yadav There is a demand to include him in the playing 11. Kuldeep’s experience and ability to take wickets in the middle overs can become a problem for New Zealand’s batsmen.
Ahmedabad pitch report: Will it rain runs?
This time the pitch of Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will not be as slow as the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Mixture of red and black soil: This time pitch number 6 (centre wicket) is being used, which has more amount of red soil. With this, the ball will come well on the bat and the bounce will also remain equal.
Batting Paradise: According to experts, cross score here 200+ Could stay. Fast bowlers may get help in the beginning, but after getting settled, the batsmen will be able to play big shots.
Dew Factor: There is a possibility of dew falling after 8:30 pm, which may make bowling difficult in the second innings. In such a situation, the team winning the toss will prefer to bowl first.
India’s Probable Playing 11 (Probable XI)
Captain Suryakumar Yadav would like to field with a balanced team. Despite Abhishek Sharma’s poor form, he may get another chance, or Ishan Kishan may be promoted to open.
Opener: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma/Ishan Kishan.
Middle order: Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya.
Finisher: Rinku Singh, Akshar Patel.
Bowling: Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav/Varun Chakraborty, Ravi Bishnoi/Washington Sundar.
New Zealand’s strength: India will have to be careful
The command of the Kiwi team is in the hands of Mitchell Santner. They have explosive openers like Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, who performed brilliantly against South Africa in the semi-finals. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell provide strength to the middle order, while the pair of Trent Boult and Matt Henry will test the Indian top order in the early overs.