India Playing XI vs Netherlands- T20 World Cup 2026, Match 36- Arshdeep In, No Bumrah?

Abhishek Sharma will be under pressure to deliver vs NED [Source: AFP]

India are set to take on the Netherlands in their fourth group-stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The high-voltage clash will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad at 7.00 PM IST and local time on Wednesday, February 18. 

India vs Netherlands preview

Under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership, team India has enjoyed stellar success in the tournament, securing three successive victories. On the contrary, the Netherlands have blown hot and cold, reeling at fourth in the group-A points table with a solitary win. 

After registering a nervy 29-run victory over the United States, India went on to thrash Namibia and arch-rivals Pakistan, making a grand entry into the Super 8 stage. 

Swashbuckling batter Ishan Kishan has fired with all cylinders, while Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma have chipped in with crucial batting contributions. On the bowling front, Varun Chakaravarthy has emerged as India's wrecker-in-chief, with Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel also striking at crucial junctures. 

Meanwhile, the Netherlands would be keen to bounce back after suffering two losses in three matches. They had a golden opportunity to stun Pakistan; however, Max O'Dowd dropped Faheem Ashraf at a crucial juncture, paving the way for his side's narrow three-wicket defeat.

Apart from Bas de Leede and captain Scott Edwards, none of the Netherlands batters have shown consistency with the bat. Although the likes of Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren have turned up on occasions, the Dutch have yet to hunt as a unit as far as their performance with the ball is concerned. 

As Suryakumar Yadav's men aim to conquer a depleted Dutch team, here we predict the India playing XI vs Netherlands for the match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

India Playing XI vs Netherlands- Match 36

Openers and Top Order: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma

Ishan Kishan has been India's go-to man with the bat, consistently providing the team with rollicking starts in the T20 World Cup. 

The explosive southpaw has hammered 158 runs in three innings at a blistering strike rate of 197.50, playing a pivotal role in his side's dominance. So, he will be a vital cog as an opening batter in the India playing XI vs Netherlands. 

However, we can't say the same thing for Abhishek Sharma, who has yet to open his account in the T20 World Cup. The swashbuckling batter has registered two consecutive ducks and would be desperate to get off the mark against the Netherlands. 

With the shambolic feat of a hattrick of ducks looming, Abhishek might adopt a more cautious approach and take a bit of time before launching an onslaught on the Dutch bowling unit. 

Meanwhile, despite struggling to score at a rapid rate, Tilak Varma will retain his number three slot in the India playing XI vs Netherlands, having amassed 617 runs at an average of 51.42 and a strike rate of 155.03 at that position. 

Middle Order and All Rounders: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh and Axar Patel

(Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya's record in T20 World Cup 2026)

Captain Suryakumar Yadav will spearhead the Indian middle order, as he has been a proven performer at number four position. Hailed as India's Mr. 360, Surya bailed his team out of trouble with a valiant fifty when the Men in Blue were tottering against the United States. 

Experienced campaigner Hardik Pandya will be India's most valuable asset, thanks to his all-round prowess. Besides ensuring fitting finishes for the Men in Blue, Pandya will open the bowling and emerge as a threat to the Netherlands' top-order. 

Shivam Dube, who played a useful cameo against Pakistan, will once again be included in the India playing XI vs Netherlands. Meanwhile, Axar Patel will retain his place as India's first-choice spin all-rounder, having bagged six wickets across three matches in the T20 World Cup. 

Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Siraj

Although Suryakumar Yadav brought Kuldeep Yadav into the mix to exploit the spin-friendly conditions in Colombo, Arshdeep Singh will likely make his way back to the India playing XI vs Netherlands due to the batting-friendly nature of the pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium. 

Varun Chakaravarthy, who has been impressive with six scalps in the T20 World Cup, will form the backbone of the Indian bowling attack with Arshdeep. However, given that India have qualified for the Super 8, they might rest Jasprit Bumrah and give Mohammed Siraj some game time against the Netherlands. 

India likely playing XI vs Netherlands- Match 36, T20 World Cup 2026

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Mohammed Siraj (If India consider resting Jasprit Bumrah).