The Indian national cricket team may make some changes for the do-or-die Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against West Indies. A major change in the bowling attack is now under serious discussion and it could see Varun Chakravarthy making way for Kuldeep Yadav.
Big selection call ahead of do-or-die India vs West Indies clash
After some mixed performances from the bowling unit, many cricket experts believe that the defending champions need a genuine wicket-taker in the middle overs, and are demanding Kuldeep’s inclusion in the playing eleven. The left-arm wrist spinner has the ability to spin the ball quickly and trouble attacking batsmen, especially on slightly slower surfaces.
Also read: AB de Villiers alleges ‘external influence’, claims India are ‘extraordinarily nervous’ to face West Indies
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 batsman not being able to put up a big score.
The commentator believes that a quality spinner who can take wickets can make up for any lack of runs on the board. West Indies batsmen are known for big hitting, but they often struggle against quality spin that rotates the ball quickly.
Sanjay Manjrekar favors Kuldeep Yadav over Varun Chakraborty for West Indies match
And Manjrekar feels that Kuldeep Yadav’s variety and control may make it difficult for him to attack freely. His ability to break partnerships at crucial moments can give India an edge in the Super 8 clash.
Varun Chakravarthy, on the other hand, has been effective in parts but has not completely dominated in recent matches. The team management may consider Kuldeep Yadav to take advantage of the Eden Gardens surface.
Sanjay Manjrekar posted, “It is never easy to go after a bowler who spins the ball, especially with so many West Indies batsmen.”
To make up for any lack of runs from the batsmen, really think India should play Kuldeep tonight.. It’s never easy going after a bowler who swings the ball, especially with so many of the West Indies batsmen.
– Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) 1 March 2026
Varun Chakravarthy shines early but struggles in Super 8 stage
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 No. 1-ranked T20I bowler started 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. After expensive spells against South Africa and Zimbabwe, Varun’s economy rate in the Super 8 dropped to 10.25.
Despite good performance against Pakistan, Kuldeep Yadav did not get a place in the team.
At the same time, Kuldeep Yadav has played only one match for India so far in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team management has mostly opted for additional batting options rather than playing another specialist spinner. The Chinaman bowler played a big group stage match against Pakistan.
In that match, Kuldeep took 1 wicket and gave only 14 runs in his 3 overs. On the basis of his powerful spell, India easily won the match by 61 runs in Colombo.
Despite that good performance, Kuldeep has remained out of the playing eleven as the defending champions have preferred all-rounders like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to further strengthen the lower-order batting.