India’s spin options and playing XI could change for Sunday’s title match, with Varun Chakaravarthy facing the real possibility of being left out and Kuldeep Yadav considered as a replacement. 12: 20 p. m. ET — the call follows public comments from former captain Sunil Gavaskar urging a selection rethink ahead of the final.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s bowling form forces selection rethink
India’s immediate consequence is a potential switch in the spin department after Varun Chakaravarthy conceded 64 runs in his four overs in the semi-final, including a 42-run assault off 13 balls by Jacob Bethell. That outing extended a stretch in which, since the Super Eight stage, he carried an economy rate of 11. 62, placing pressure on the selectors to reconsider his spot for the final.
Still, his struggles are not isolated to a single match: eight of his 11 most expensive T20I spells have come since December, a period that began with India’s five-match T20I series against South Africa. Bowling coach Morne Morkel had publicly backed him to regain form before the semi-final, but the recent numbers have sharpened scrutiny of his role.
Sunil Gavaskar presses for Abhishek Sharma change and Kuldeep Yadav option
Former captain Sunil Gavaskar argued that the team should consider dropping Abhishek Sharma for the final and change the top of the order, citing Abhishek’s tournament scores of 0, 0, 0, 15, 55, 10 and 9 — a total of 89 runs at an average of 12. 71. Gavaskar pointed to Abhishek’s dismissal by Will Jacks for nine in the semi-final as part of a string of vulnerabilities against spin.
Gavaskar also recommended promoting Ishan Kishan to open alongside Sanju Samson and bringing Rinku Singh into the XI in place of Abhishek if a change is made, and he urged replacing Varun with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gavaskar said Kuldeep’s ability to turn the ball even on flatter surfaces could suit the large boundaries expected in the title clash.
For now, India’s management and captain must weigh maintaining continuity against the risk of repeating recent weaknesses; a decision to drop Varun Chakaravarthy would immediately alter match-up planning, field placements and the balance between wrist spin and left-arm spin in the XI.
The T20 World Cup final is set for Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad; kickoff time was not specified in the coverage. If the selectors act on Gavaskar’s suggestions, Varun Chakaravarthy could be replaced by Kuldeep Yadav for the final, changing India’s spin mix for that match.
