New Delhi: The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad does not carry the best of the memories for the Indian cricket team. The venue has the painful reminiscence of the 2023 ODI World Cup final heartbreak against Australia, where despite a flawless run all through the ICC event, the Men in Blue faltered at the final leg.
To add to it, India suffered a heavy loss against South Africa in the Super Eight game of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 and here they are again, heading to the biggest cricket stadium in the world for the much-awaited final of the T20 spectacle against New Zealand on Sunday. With past history and horror surrounding the stadium, India would be a bit skeptical about themselves going into the final clash of the event.
Notably, the only defeat Team India has suffered in the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup has been at the same stadium against South Africa, who completely pushed them against the wall in the Super Eight contest. Out of a total of 8 games (4-group stage, 3-Super8s, 1 SF), the only encounter where India were completely outplayed was in Ahmedabad, much similar to ODI WC 2023, where the lone loss came in Ahmedabad.
India determined to break the hoodoo
With all things said and done about the past misery and ongoing happenings, it will all boil down to March 8, where the reigning champions would be aiming to beak the jinx by producing the best performance. India will look to overcome the past and write a new chapter in Ahmedabad and with performance, strong team and momentum favouring them, they are bent upon erasing the past memories.
India do away with old traditions
Call it superstition or just a way to not bring back memories of the past, Team India has done away with some old traditions ahead of the finale against New Zealand, which indicates their determination to walk away from the stadium with a trophy in their hands. India have avoided staying at the hotel they previously occupied during the 2023 ODI World Cup final and instead go for a different hotel to invite new energy and environment.
Secondly, it is also being reported that India might swap the traditional ‘Home’ dressing room at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the Visitors’ dressing room just to avoid the site of the previous two losses.
Fixing things essential for Men in Blue
Team India would also be aiming to fix few things going into the finale against Kiwis, who would be eyeing their maiden title. While the batters have not disappointed much, with just Abhishek Sharma an area of concern, bowlers sans Jasprit Bumrah, need to pull up their socks if they aim at defending the title and becoming the first team to bag three titles.
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