IND vs NZ: India can drop Abhishek Sharma for T20 World Cup Final and play THIS player, opines Mohammad Kaif

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India are set to lock horns against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday (March 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

India, defending champions from 2024, where they beat South Africa in the final, aim to become the first team to win three T20WC titles and the first to defend it on home soil. New Zealand seek their maiden T20WC crown, having reached the final after a dominant semi-final win over South Africa.

India topped their path, beating England by 7 runs in the semi-final. NZ are seen as dark horses but dangerous, with Mitchell Santner noting they'll aim to "silence the crowd" and "break a few hearts" in hostile Ahmedabad.

Abhishek Sharma's form has been poor in the tournament. The southpaw has scored just 89 runs in 7 innings (avg ~12.7, SR ~131), and has struggled so far in the World Cup. His solitary knock came in the Super Six against Zimbabwe, where he scored 55 runs. Amid this, Sanju Samson has found form and former India player Mohammad Kaif has opined for a change in the final.

"India can give Abhishek Sharma a break. He has played a lot of matches now. There is no harm in making changes. You can make changes in the shortest format. Roston Chase opened against India as Brandon King was out of form. They backed him for five or six matches, but they gave him a break for a big match. I believe that, like you brought in Sanju, and he did a great job, so that change worked in your favor," Kaif said.

Kaif has also called for Rinku Singh to be introduced as a finisher, while Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan could be used as an opener.

"India have proven players. Rinku Singh scores runs everywhere, be it Tests, Ranji Trophy, or the IPL. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj also take wickets everywhere. When you look in the dugout to see who can replace Abhishek Sharma, you see Rinku Singh sitting there. So, bring him in. A guy is struggling, and another guy is sitting outside despite doing well," he added.