Kanpur, March 8: Kuldeep Yadav’s coach, Kapil Dev Pandey, expressed confidence in the Indian team’s chances against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. Speaking to reporters, Pandey stated, “This is a historic opportunity for the Indian team. No host nation has ever won the T20 World Cup, and no team has won it consecutively.”
He emphasized that the pitch is familiar to the players and that the batsmen are in good form. “We aim to make history at the Narendra Modi Stadium,” he added.
Pandey acknowledged that while the bowling attack may seem weaker compared to batting, the team’s performance in the death overs during the semifinals was commendable. “In this crucial match, bowlers must focus on their line and length, especially against left-handed batsmen,” he advised.
He cautioned against underestimating New Zealand, noting their strong batting and bowling line-up. However, he believes the home advantage will play a significant role, especially since India recently defeated New Zealand in a bilateral series. “Winning this match is crucial for us,” he stated.
Shivam Dube’s coach, Satish Samant, also weighed in, predicting a tightly contested final. “Both teams have strong batting and bowling units. I expect the match to go down to the last over, making it an exciting encounter,” he remarked.
Samant highlighted the balance of the New Zealand team, stating that they cannot be taken lightly, as even a score of 200 may not be safe. He noted that key players like Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav need to step up in this high-stakes match.
Concerns were raised about India’s spin bowling, but Samant believes that if Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy perform well, it could shift the match in India’s favor. “Shivam Dube has performed well in the World Cup, and his role, along with Hardik’s, will be crucial in the final,” he concluded.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
