The stage is set for an epic T20 World Cup 2026 showdown between India and New Zealand on March 8 at Narendra Modi Stadium. But before the fireworks, India’s camp faces a selection dilemma: what to do with underperforming stars Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy?
Let’s break down Abhishek’s stats. Seven innings, 89 runs. That’s it. Group stage? Three golden ducks. Super 8s offered a half-century against Zimbabwe, but otherwise, mediocrity: 15, 10, and 9 runs. His average sits at 12.71, strike rate at 130 – hardly the explosive opener India banked on.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s spin has lost its bite. Semi-final vs England: 4-0-64-1, a spell for the wrong reasons – joint second-most expensive ever. Super 8s vs West Indies: 40 runs in four overs. In his last two outings, 104 runs for two wickets. Opponents are reading him like a book.
Suryakumar Yadav’s men chase history in the final – fourth appearance, second consecutive. New Zealand returns for a second crack. Yet, defending champions have never repeated, and no host has lifted the trophy at home. Dropping strugglers could be India’s masterstroke.