India secured a nail-biting seven-run victory over the England in the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With this win, the ‘Men In Blue’ have secured their place in the much-awaited final of the global tournament, where they will face New Zealand on March 8, 2026.
And ahead of that big final match between India and New Zealand, the team management faces an important decision: should India continue with Varun Chakaravarthy or bring Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI?
This article will shed light on who India should pick between Varun and Kuldeep.
Varun Chakaravarthy's Stats In T20 World Cup 2026
Varun Chakravarthy has been one of India's key bowlers in the tournament. During the group stage matches, he was extremely effective. His mystery spin made it difficult for batters to read his variations.
He picked up wickets regularly and maintained good control over his economy rate. Most batters struggled against his unusual bowling style.
In the semi-final against England, Jacob Bethell attacked him aggressively and scored heavily. Chakaravarthy conceded 64 runs in that spell, which became the most expensive spell by an Indian bowler in T20 World Cup history.
Criterion
Data
Innings
8
Wickets
13
Economy Rate
8.86
Strike Rate
12.00
(Varun Chakaravarthy's stats in T20 World Cup 2026)
Kuldeep Yadav's Stats In T20 World Cup 2026
While Varun Chakravarthy has played regularly, Kuldeep Yadav has mostly been on the bench during the tournament. Kuldeep has played only one match so far, in which he bowled economically and picked up one wicket.
Kuldeep relies on flight, drift and sharp turns. His deliveries often tempt batters to play attacking shots, which can lead to mistakes. Because of this style, he has often been used as a wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
Although he has not played much in this tournament, his experience and ability to control the game could still make him an option for the final between India and New Zealand.
Looking at his overall T20I career, Varun has been a reliable performer for India. Since making his debut, he has built a reputation as a wicket-taking mystery spinner.
His variations in pace and angles make him difficult to read, which is why he often picks up wickets even when batters try to attack him. Taking a look at his T20I career, the star spinner has played 44 T20I matches and scalped 72 wickets at an economy rate of 7.45.
Criterion
Data
Matches
44
Wickets
72
Bowling Average
16.30
Economy Rate
7.45
(Varun Chakaravarthy's T20I Records)
Kuldeep Yadav's T20I Records In Bowling
Kuldeep's overall T20I record is even more impressive. The left-arm wrist spinner has been one of India’s most successful spinners in limited-overs cricket. His bowling average of 13.74 is among the best for spinners from full-member cricket nations.
The star player has played 54 T20I matches so far and bagged 95 wickets at an average of 13.74 and an economy of 6.95.
Criterion
Data
Matches
54
Wickets
95
Bowling Average
13.74
Economy Rate
6.95
(Kuldeep Yadav's T20I Records)
Varun Chakaravarthy's Records Against New Zealand
Another factor to consider is performance against the opposition. Varun has played four matches against New Zealand and has not been very economical. In the matches, he has taken four wickets.
Criterion
Data
Matches
4
Wickets
4
Bowling Average
32.75
Economy Rate
8.19
(Varun Chakaravarthy's Records Against New Zealand)
Kuldeep Yadav's Records Against New Zealand
Kuldeep has faced New Zealand more often than Varun and has picked up more wickets against them. However, his economy rate against the Kiwis is slightly higher. This means he tends to attack more for wickets than to focus solely on containing runs.
Criterion
Data
Matches
8
Wickets
9
Bowling Average
21.22
Economy Rate
7.64
(Kuldeep Yadav's Records Against New Zealand)
Varun Chakaravarthy's Records At Narendra Modi Stadium
Venue experience can also play a role in such a big match. Chakaravarthy has played three games at the Narendra Modi Stadium and has taken 8 wickets there.
Although his economy rate at the venue is a bit high, his ability to take wickets remains an important advantage.
Criterion
Data
Matches
3
Wickets
8
Bowling Average
14.25
Economy Rate
10.36
(Varun Chakaravarthy's Records At Narendra Modi Stadium)
Kuldeep Yadav's Records At Narendra Modi Stadium
Kuldeep has very limited experience at the venue. He has played only one T20I at the stadium and bowled just a single over without taking a wicket.
Because of this, the team management may prefer someone who is more familiar with the conditions.
Criterion
Data
Matches
1
Wickets
0
Economy Rate
12.00
(Kuldeep Yadav's Records At Narendra Modi Stadium)
Conclusion
The debate between Varun and Kuldeep Yadav is understandable. Kuldeep has excellent career numbers and offers a different style of spin bowling.
On the other hand, Varun has not been in his form lately. So, who to pick for a crucial match will be a tough choice for India.
However, Varun has more experience playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium and has been part of the India playing XI in the tournament, so there is a good chance India will stick with Varun Chakaravarthy for the India vs New Zealand final.
Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav (Source:X)
