18 February,2026 07:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Scott Edwards, Suryakumar Yadav (Pic: X/@BCCI)
In the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands, Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav has won the toss and elected to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The "Men in Blue" will enter the clash with two major changes. Axar Patel will make way for Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav has been replaced by Arshdeep Singh.
After winning the toss, Team India skipper Suryakumar said, "We've chosen to bat first because the pitch looks good and should play true right through the innings. During practice last night, we noticed a bit of dew, so the plan is to put runs on the board and challenge ourselves by defending again. It's an opportunity to test our bowlers under pressure, especially with similar conditions expected in a couple of days. Setting a total helps us understand what works on this surface and gives the bowling unit a clear target to protect. We want to keep building our strengths by sticking to the approach that has worked for us throughout the tournament. If we execute well, we hope to put up a strong score and make the most of the surface".
India is coming off a massive 61-run win over Pakistan, which also cemented their place in the "Super Eights". The Netherlands had lost to the USA by a huge 93-run margin in their last outing.
On the other hand, the Netherlands captain Scott Edwards said, "Yes, we would have batted. It looks like a good wicket. For us, it is about finishing our campaign well. Just looking to put in a complete performance today".
Noah Croes will make his appearance for the Netherlands in the clash against Team India. He will come in place of Fref Klaassen.
India: Ishan Kisha (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Netherlands: Michael Levitt, Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin, Ackermann, Scott Edwards (C) (WK), Zach Lion-Cacher, Noah Croes, Logan vam Beek, Roelef van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein.
