Is Varun Chakravarthy playing today in IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 Final clash?

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final is set to start as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to field first after winning the toss. There is a big question for the Indian squad whether the Indian leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy is in India's playing XI or not.

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting the India vs New Zealand match in the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday night (March 8). The winner of the match will lift the trophy, which is the main goal for every team in the tournament that is running for a month. 

In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, India have surprisingly two weak links, opener Abhishek Sharma and the leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy. However, it was much clearer that Men in Blue will hardly change the opening partners, as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson will remain favourites to open for India in the Final. 

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Final - IND vs ENG: Toss Update and Playing XI

Varun Chakravarthy is struggling despite taking regular wickets

However, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hardly brings anything strong for the spinners, and out-of-touch Varun Chakravarthy may be a concern for the Indian team. Despite being the no.1 T20I-ranked bowler, the 34-year-old spinner is struggling to control the game. Although he is the joint leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets, his economy rate is a concern, which is 8.85. 

Despite his struggle, Varun has managed to take at least one wicket in every match of the tournament. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final: Varun Chakravarthy is in Indian playing XI

At the toss of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final, while New Zealand decided to bat first, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed an unchanged squad. So, Varun Chakravarthy is clearly playing the match.