IND Vs NED: With which playing XI will Team India enter against Netherlands in Ahmedabad? Test of bench strength before Super-8

IND vs NED Plaing XI: The group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is now at its final stage and Team India has already secured its place in the Super-8 by winning three consecutive matches. In such a situation, the match against Netherlands on Wednesday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad may not be very important for India in terms of results, but this match has become very important strategically for the team management.

The biggest question before India in this match is – should the core players be rested or should the same combination be used to maintain the momentum? Since India’s next match in the Super-8 will be against South Africa on the same ground, the team would like to maintain a balance. Here we will talk about

Eye on opening combination

All eyes are on the opening slot. The current World Cup of world number-1 T20 batsman Abhishek Sharma has not lived up to the expectations so far. After being out for zero twice in two matches, questions have definitely been raised on his form. In such a situation, the team management can try to restore their confidence by giving them a chance against Netherlands, so that they can enter the Super-8 with full preparation.

On the other hand, Ishan Kishan has performed brilliantly so far. Especially the stormy innings of 77 runs played against Pakistan has now almost confirmed his place in every match. Ishan has become the backbone of India in batting, so the management would like to keep him fresh for the Super-8 by giving him rest in this match. Sanju Samson can be included in the playing XI in his place.

Sanju has been struggling with form in recent months, but in the opportunity against Namibia in the World Cup, he played a short but impressive innings (22 runs on 8 balls) and indicated that he can change the course of the match at any time.

Middle order will remain stable!

In the middle order, batsmen like Tilak Verma, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh can be played to provide continuity. These players are not only match winners but also have experience in big matches. In such a situation, it is considered almost certain that they will play.

There may be a reshuffle in all-rounders

There is every possibility of change in the all-round department. Hardik Pandya has contributed with both bat and ball in this tournament, but considering his injury history, workload management becomes important. By resting him against Netherlands, an additional fast bowler like Mohammad Siraj can be given a chance. Let us tell you that Siraj has made a big comeback in T20 international cricket by taking 3 wickets in the first match of the tournament (IND vs USA).

Similarly, if vice-captain and spin all-rounder Axar Patel is given rest, then Washington Sundar can be included in the playing XI in his place. Sundar has recently returned from injury and giving him match practice can prove beneficial for the team.

Bumrah rested, Arshdeep’s return possible

Under workload management, it is almost certain that Jasprit Bumrah will get rest in this match. Bumrah plays an important role for India in every format and it is very important for him to remain fit for the Super-8 and further knockout matches. Arshdeep Singh may return in his place, who had to sit on the bench in the match against Pakistan.

Team India’s probable playing XI against Netherlands

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan / Sanju Samson, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya / Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel / Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah / Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.

This match against Netherlands is more an opportunity for preparation and experimentation for India than victory. Keeping in mind the Super-8 and possible finals, the team management’s focus will be on keeping its core players fresh and testing the bench strength. This match in Ahmedabad could prove to be a real test of India’s depth and balance.