India stands just one win away from scripting a remarkable chapter in T20 cricket history. If the hosts defeat New Zealand national cricket team in the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup today, they will achieve something no team has managed before — winning back-to-back T20 World Cup titles. It would also mark the first time India lift the trophy on home soil, making the occasion even more special for fans across the country.

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India entered the tournament as one of the strongest contenders after a dominant run in the months leading up to the global event. Their attacking style and explosive batting lineup made them favourites early on. However, despite reaching the final, the campaign has not been entirely smooth. India has faced several tense moments along the way, showing resilience rather than outright dominance.

One of the early warning signs came when the United States cricket team pushed them harder than expected during the group stage. The real shock, however, arrived in the Super Eight phase when India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa national cricket team. That loss briefly put them at risk of an early exit, forcing the team to regroup quickly and find form at the right time.

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The semi-final against the England cricket team turned out to be another nerve-wracking contest. India posted a mammoth total of 254, a score that would normally guarantee a comfortable win. Yet England came dangerously close to chasing it down, falling short by just seven runs. The narrow victory secured India a place in the final, which will be played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

As the team prepares for the title clash, debates around the playing XI have intensified. Much of the discussion revolves around the form of Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy, two players who arrived at the tournament with high expectations.

Abhishek began the competition as the world’s No. 1-ranked T20I batter but has struggled to live up to that reputation so far. On several occasions he has fallen inside the Powerplay, leaving the middle order to stabilise the innings. Similarly, Varun Chakaravarthy — the top-ranked T20I bowler — has looked short of rhythm, with opposition batters attacking him aggressively in recent matches. Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes the team management may need to make bold calls for the final.

“It’s a very tough call. Abhishek Sharma is the No. 1 batter in the ICC T20 rankings, but he hasn’t learned from his dismissals. He keeps getting out in the same region where his arms are cramped for room. Bowlers are targeting that area and forcing mistakes. My concern is that he either hasn’t adjusted yet or is unable to change his approach,” Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.

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“I would like to see Ishan Kishan open the batting with Sanju Samson, with Rinku Singh coming into the side. Rinku has that belief — you’ve probably seen the ‘God’s Plan’ tattoo on his body — and sometimes things just work out for players like him,” he added.

Gavaskar also suggested a potential bowling change. According to him, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav could replace Chakaravarthy in the final.

“The other change I would consider is bringing in Kuldeep Yadav. Varun Chakaravarthy’s confidence looks shattered at the moment. Since the Super Eight stage, when he faced stronger teams, he has struggled and conceded a lot of runs. At a ground like the Narendra Modi Stadium, with big boundaries, Kuldeep Yadav could be a good option because he can turn the ball even on flat surfaces,” Sunil  Gavaskar said.