History happens on Sunday at Ahmedabad! India faces New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Final at Narendra Modi Stadium. But six Indian players will experience something completely new that day.
These cricketers never played in a T20 World Cup Final before. Some played other ICC finals though. Others are making their maiden appearance in any ICC final!
The Six Debutants in the Final
India’s New Faces in the T20 World Cup Final include some exciting young talent. Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakravarthy all get this chance.
Rinku Singh was actually in India’s reserve squad for 2024. He watched from the sidelines when India won that final. Now he’s part of the actual squad finally!
Not all six will play on Sunday though. Only four are expected in the playing eleven. Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar will probably sit out unfortunately.
Who Makes the Playing Eleven
Sanju Samson is in red-hot form right now! He scored 97 not out against the West Indies in the Super Eights. Then he smashed 89 against England in the semifinal brilliantly.
Samson will definitely open the batting on Sunday. Abhishek Sharma keeps his spot despite recent struggles. The team management still believes in his abilities.
Varun Chakravarthy continues for momentum and experience. Tilak Varma holds the number six position solidly. These India’s New Faces are ready for the big stage!
Previous ICC Final Experience
Some debutants have played in ICC finals before. Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar played in the Champions Trophy final. India beat New Zealand in that match previously.
Ishan Kishan was in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad. So he knows what finals pressure feels like somewhat. But a T20 World Cup Final brings different challenges altogether.
Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh are making their maiden ICC final appearance. This represents a completely new experience for these three players.
Tilak Varma has an interesting record among India’s New Faces. He’s the only one who never played an IPL final! Everyone else experienced finals in the IPL before.
India aims to become the first team to win successive T20 World Cups. They also want to win at home for the first time. New Zealand stands in their way now!
