Zaheer Khan predicts Varun Chakaravarthy could play the T20 World Cup 2026 final despite calls for Kuldeep Yadav.
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan shared his views before the T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand. The match will take place on Sunday, March 8, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Zaheer said India may discuss bringing Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI. However, he expects Varun Chakaravarthy to retain his place in the final team.
“There will be discussions for sure. Should they back Varun Chakaravarthy or when you have a bowler like Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, should they play him instead? From a surprise package and a form point of view. I think you will see Varun Chakaravarthy on the ground, but there will be a discussion for sure,” the former cricketer said to Cricbuzz.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag also supported Zaheer Khan’s opinion on India’s team combination. Sehwag believes Kuldeep Yadav may find it difficult to enter the playing XI. He pointed to Axar Patel’s value in the current lineup.
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“There is no doubt that there is going to be a discussion. If you bring Kuldeep Yadav in place of Axar, then you will get the four overs, but not the batting and the fielding,” he said.
Notably, Varun Chakaravarthy started the tournament strongly with 9 wickets in the first 4 matches. His recent form has dipped slightly. He picked up 4 wickets in the last 4 games and conceded runs at an economy rate above 11.
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