The India National Cricket Team might make a few changes for the do-or-die Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against the West Indies. A major change in the bowling attack is now under serious discussion, and it may see Varun Chakravarthy making way for Kuldeep Yadav.
After some mixed performances from the bowling unit, many cricket experts feel the defending champions need a genuine wicket-taker in the middle overs, calling for Kuldeep’s inclusion in the playing XI. The left-arm wrist spinner has the ability to turn the ball sharply and trouble aggressive batters, especially on slightly slow surfaces.
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Ahead of the India vs West Indies Super 8 match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday (March 1), former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar suggested that India should bring Kuldeep Yadav into the Playing XI, especially if there are concerns about the batting not putting up a huge total.
The commentator believes that a quality spinner who can pick wickets can cover up for any shortage of runs on the board. West Indies batters are known for big hitting, but they have often struggled against quality spin that turns the ball sharply.
Sanjay Manjrekar backs Kuldeep Yadav over Varun Chakravarthy for the West Indies game
And Manjrekar feels Kuldeep Yadav’s variations and control could make it difficult for them to attack freely. His ability to break partnerships at key moments might give India the edge in the Super 8 clash.
On the other hand, Varun Chakravarthy has been effective in patches but has not fully dominated in recent matches. The team management might look at Kuldeep Yadav to exploit the Eden Gardens surface.
Sanjay Manjrekar posted, X: “To cover up for any run shortage from the batters, I really think India should play Kuldeep tonight…." Never easy to go after a bowler who turns the ball, especially for this lot of WI batters.”
To cover up for any run shortage from the batters, really think India should play Kuldeep tonight.. Never easy to go after a bowler who turns the ball, especially for this lot of WI batters.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 1, 2026
Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy is currently among the top five wicket-takers in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, with 11 wickets in 6 matches. The world’s No. 1-ranked T20I bowler began the tournament in strong style and bowled tight spells.
During the group stage, he kept his economy rate at an impressive 5.16 and controlled the middle overs well. But things changed in the Super 8 stage. Varun’s economy rate in the Super 8s went up to 10.25 after expensive spells against South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Kuldeep Yadav benched despite a strong show against Pakistan
On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav has played only one match for India so far in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team management has mostly chosen extra batting options instead of playing another specialist spinner. The Chinaman bowler played in the big group stage match against Pakistan.
In that match, Kuldeep took 1 wicket and gave away just 14 runs in his 3 overs. His tight spell helped India win the match comfortably by 61 runs in Colombo.
Even after that good performance, Kuldeep has stayed out of the Playing XI, as the defending champions have preferred all-rounders like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to add more strength to the lower-order batting.
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