`I think it is difficult…`: Kotak on Kuldeep`s feature for ZIM clash

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Team India is set to lock horns with Zimbabwe in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The clash is scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

When asked if Team India`s management would field wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav against Zimbabwe, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said that with seven batsmen, the side would be looking to include a spin all-rounder.

“I personally think it is difficult because in a T20 game, you want batting till number eight. So, if number 8, if you are thinking about the spinner, then you will obviously think about an all-rounder. So with seven betters, I think any team would normally prefer a number eight as an all-rounder or a person who can score 30-40 runs if required,” he said.

The coach stated that a team can include only 11 players, and the management will be looking to keep a balance and pick the best playing XI.

“Because so many times on these wickets, yes, if you are chasing 200-220 and if you won 150-6, you would think that the all-rounder can get those 20 runs and create a partnership and win you the game. It is not difficult to play two wrist spinners. Same situation with (Mohammed) Siraj also. He also bowled well. But at the end of the day, only 11 can play. So you try to keep that balance of what the team requires and pick the best 11,” added Kotak.

Kuldeep Yadav is an extremely prolific wrist spinner, having snapped 95 wickets in 54 matches at an average of 13.74, with an economy rate of 6.95, including three four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls and best figures of five wickets for 17 runs.

T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: India vs Zimbabwe- Full squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rinku Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma.

Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Blessing Muzarabani, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Tashinga Musekiwa, Clive Madande (WK), Brian Bennett, Tinotenda Maposa.

(With ANI Inputs)

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