Cricket fans, with India already cruising into the Super 8s and topping Group A, tonight’s match against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad feels like the perfect chance to give some key players a breather — and test the bench strength.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to ring in two changes for this dead-rubber, keeping the team fresh and unbeaten ahead of the knockouts.
If you’re searching for the India playing XI vs Netherlands in the T20 World Cup 2026, here’s everything you need to know about the likely lineup and the thinking behind it.
Why Changes Make Sense
India have been flawless so far. Ishan Kishan has been in red-hot form — smashing 61 off 24 against Namibia and a match-winning 70 off 40 against Pakistan. Kuldeep Yadav also returned strongly with wickets in his only game so far.
But with qualification secured and a long tournament ahead, resting big names is smart management. It opens the door for Sanju Samson and Mohammed Siraj to step in and prove their case.
Key Players Likely to Be Rested
- Ishan Kishan (wk): The star wicketkeeper-batter has been India’s top performer. After his back-to-back fifties, he could get a well-earned break.
- Kuldeep Yadav: The wrist-spinner made an impact against Pakistan but might sit out to manage workload on a flat Ahmedabad track.
Players in Line for Inclusion
- Sanju Samson: He opened with Kishan against Namibia when Abhishek Sharma was unwell, scoring a quick 22 off 8 balls. A full game today could see him build on that.
- Mohammed Siraj: The fast bowler played the opener against USA but was replaced by Bumrah later. He’s expected to return, adding pace bite to the attack.
Arshdeep Singh could also come back after being rested against Pakistan for a spin-heavy combination.
Predicted India Playing XI vs Netherlands
Here’s the most likely India playing XI vs Netherlands based on current reports:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakravarthy
Why This Lineup Works
This team keeps the batting firepower intact while adding Siraj’s pace for early wickets. Samson gets a proper chance at the top, and the bowling balance — Bumrah, Siraj, Axar, Varun — looks strong on a flat pitch where spinners and death bowlers will matter.
India want to stay unbeaten heading into the Super 8s, and this tweak helps achieve that without risking key players. The Netherlands match becomes a perfect dress rehearsal.
What do you think of these changes? Should Samson open, or would you keep Kishan in? Drop your thoughts below — let’s discuss the India playing XI vs Netherlands before the 7:00 PM IST start!
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