Sanju Samson (WK): After his heroic 89 in T20 WC semi-final, Samson moves to his preferred opening slot.

Ishan Kishan: Set to partner Samson at the top, providing an explosive left-right combination.

Tilak Varma: The young southpaw moves up to No. 3 to anchor the innings.

Suryakumar Yadav (C): The skipper will lead from No. 4, looking to dismantle the Kiwi spin attack.

Hardik Pandya: The ultimate big-match all-rounder providing balance in the middle.

Shivam Dube: India’s designated "spin-crusher" for the middle overs.

Rinku Singh (IN): Expected to replace Abhishek Sharma to provide "ice-cool" finishing in the death overs.

Axar Patel: The versatile all-rounder whose defensive bowling and power-hitting are vital.

Kuldeep Yadav (IN): Likely to replace Varun Chakaravarthy as the specialist wrist-spinner to exploit the Ahmedabad turn.

Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pace sensation tasked with early breakthroughs.

Jasprit Bumrah: The bowling spearhead and the world's best death-overs specialist.

Why the Changes?

Kuldeep for Varun: Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been the top-ranked T20 bowler, but he was expensive (64 runs) in the semi-final vs England; in this match he bowled the most expensive spell by an Indian in T20 World Cups. Kuldeep Yadav’s history of troubling New Zealand’s top order makes him a strategic "must-have" for the final. Also, Kuldeep Yadav stats are remarkable when he bowls on Ahmedabad track.

Rinku for Abhishek: Abhishek Sharma has struggled with a string of low scores (including three ducks this tournament). By bringing in Rinku Singh, India bolsters its lower-order resilience, allowing the top four to play more freely.