Former cricketer Zaheer Khan said that India’s match against the Netherlands on Wednesday, February 18, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad could have been used as a chance to try out different batting options in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Tilak Varma has been batting at No. 3 in this tournament, while Suryakumar Yadav has come in at No. 4. Zaheer felt that in a low-pressure game against the Netherlands, the two could have swapped positions. This might have helped the team prepare better for a left-right batting combination in the Super 8 stage.
In that match, off-spinner Aryan Dutt removed both left-handed openers, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan.
“India approached this game in an experimental manner. Maybe one trick which Surya missed and he should have taken advantage of was going into bat at No.3. The off-spinner was bowling and the first wicket had fallen. The flexibility they’ve been talking about between him and Tilak for the left-right combination, today was the opportunity. It’s something for him to think about,” Zaheer said via Cricbuzz.
“He’s been scoring runs, so it could have been a message sent that if need be, I can bat at No.3. But other than that, he has been very consistent with his changes,” the legendary fast bowler added.
Zaheer believes that Suryakumar would be challenged as captain if any of his trump cards, Varun Chakaravarthy or Jasprit Bumrah, has a rough day at work.
“He has two trump cards – Varun and Bumrah, which he has been using very well. The real challenge for him is going to be if one of them has an off-day. That’s when you feel the pressure, and you have to be ready to adjust if that happens.”
Zaheer Khan
India defeated the Netherlands by 17 runs, extending their winning streak to four in the competition. They will meet South Africa in their first Super Eights match on Sunday, February 22, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
