Varun Chakaravarthy could be left out of India XI for the final
varun chakaravarthy faces a selection crossroads as India prepare for the T20 World Cup final on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad; debate centres on his recent expensive spells and loss of confidence. Sunil Gavaskar, former India captain, has publicly urged the team to consider replacing him and bringing Kuldeep Yadav into the XI. As of 11: 20 AM ET on Mar 7, 2026, that recommendation has intensified the discussion inside India’s camp ahead of the title clash with New Zealand.
Varun Chakaravarthy under scrutiny
Form-side facts from the tournament underline the concern. varun chakaravarthy returned figures of 1/47 against South Africa, 1/35 against Zimbabwe and 1/40 against West Indies, and in the semi-final he conceded 64 runs in four overs. Jacob Bethell launched a 42-run burst off 13 balls against him in that semi-final, and since the start of the Super Eight stage varun chakaravarthy’s economy rate stood at 11. 62. Analysts and former players have described his recent sequence as diminishing returns; Anil Kumble and Faf du Plessis flagged the spinner’s waning impact in the last four games of the run-up to the final.
Immediate reactions from experts and coaches
Sunil Gavaskar, former India captain, said: “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… The other change I would consider is bringing in Kuldeep Yadav. varun chakaravarthy’s confidence looks shattered at the moment. ” Gavaskar urged the think tank led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav to weigh a bold move before the title match. India bowling coach Morne Morkel had earlier backed him to regain form in a pre–semi-final press conference, but the pocket of expensive spells has kept the conversation alive among commentators and former players.
Quick context
India reached the World Cup final despite uneven returns from some top-ranked players; the team’s depth has allowed management options. Selection chatter has focused on balancing attacking bowling options on a big-boundary surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium and shoring up control in the middle overs.
What happens next
The immediate next step is a final selection meeting by the team leadership and coaching group before the match on Sunday; Gavaskar has explicitly named a preferred change and a replacement option. Expect the management to weigh the match-up against New Zealand, pitch conditions and the risk of leaving a high-ceiling spinner out. The final decision will determine whether varun chakaravarthy keeps his place or whether India opt for Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wrist spin to counter the opposition’s approach.
