'You will see Varun Chakaravarthy on the ground' - Former India seamer's massive remark ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 Final

Zaheer Khan believes India will contemplate bringing Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI instead of the out-of-form Varun Chakaravarthy for the 2026 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. The high-voltage clash takes place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8. However, the former India speedster believes that Chakaravarthy will eventually get the nod.

Chakaravarthy had a fantastic start to the campaign as he bagged nine wickets from the first four games. However, in the last four games, he has picked up only four scalps and conceded runs at an economy rate of more than 11.

"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 on Cricbuzz.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, however, backed the mystery spinner amid his struggles. During the pre-match press conference, the right-handed batter said that Chakaravarthy knows how to win matches for the team.

"We are not worried about him at all. He is the World No. 1 bowler. He knows what to do when, how to bowl against which opposition. He knows how to step forward and win matches for us. I am sure he will do it," the captain said during the pre-match press conference.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag also agreed to Zaheer's views, saying that Kuldeep won't be able to make it to the side even in place of Axar Patel, as the Indian vice-captain adds depth in the batting department and also contributes with his stellar fielding skills.

"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.