Time to stop tinkering? Should India play their T20 World Cup XI vs New Zealand

India have been ringing in the changes in every single game of the New Zealand series so far. While testing the bench strength is needed, the Indian team should be playing their best side at all times just before the T20 World Cup 2026.

To say that the Indian team has been sensational against New Zealand would be an understatement. What was considered a tough assignment ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 saw the Blackcaps arrive on the back of a thrilling ODI series win — their first on Indian soil.

But what unfolded in the first three T20Is was a clear reflection of why India are among the favourites heading into the T20 World Cup, especially on home soil. However, one aspect that stood out was the constant chopping and changing in India’s playing XI from game to game.

The first match brought an obvious change, with Ishan Kishan coming in for the injured Tilak Varma. In the second game, Axar Patel sat out due to injury, but India surprisingly rested Jasprit Bumrah as well. Then, in the third T20I, Varun Chakravarthy was left out, with Ravi Bishnoi taking his place.

Arshdeep Singh also saw his spot taken by Harshit Rana. Now, Axar Patel appears set for a return, and Shreyas Iyer could also come back into the side. However, this constant experimentation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so close to the T20 World Cup.

One of the most interesting points during the third T20I came from Ajinkya Rahane. He pointed out that a five-match series should ideally be used to finalise a settled playing XI, insisting that key players should feature consistently. India rested Varun Chakravathy for the 3rd T20I, which surprised many. (AP Photo)

He specifically highlighted the exclusion of Varun Chakravarthy, who picked up 36 wickets in 20 matches last year at an average of 13.19.