India Bat First vs Netherlands in T20 WC, Sundar & Arshdeep Get Nod

India won the toss and chose to bat first against the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup group match in Ahmedabad. Captain Suryakumar Yadav cited the good pitch and potential dew later as reasons for batting, aiming to put runs on the board. India made two changes, with Washington Sundar and Arshdeep Singh coming in for the rested Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards also preferred to bat first, with his side making one change, bringing in Noah Croes.

Key Points: India Bat First vs Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026

  • India wins toss and bats first
  • Sundar, Arshdeep replace Axar, Kuldeep
  • SKY aims for runs to defend
  • Netherlands make one change
  • Match at Narendra Modi Stadium
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T20 WC: Arshdeep, Sundar come in as India elect to bat against Netherlands

India elect to bat, bring in Washington Sundar and Arshdeep Singh. Get match details, playing XIs, and captain quotes from Ahmedabad.

"s from Ahmedabad.QUOTE: The mood in the camp is amazing. Boys are turning up really nicely. - Suryakumar Yadav"

Ahmedabad, Feb 18

India won the toss and elected to bat against the Netherlands in the 36th match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

India have made two changes to their lineup, with Axar Patel rested and Kuldeep Yadav missing out, paving the way for Washington Sundar and Arshdeep Singh to come into the side.

Meanwhile, for the Netherlands, Noah Croes replaces Fred Klaassen.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said, "We are going to bat first. Looks like a good surface. We practiced here last night, and there was a little dew. So hopefully, we get runs on the board and try to defend it. We are going to play on a similar strip in 2-3 days, so why not put bowlers under pressure?"

"Absolutely, the mood in the camp is amazing. Boys are turning up really nicely. The brand I want them to play, they are responding well to. Every game, there is someone or the other raising their hand and bailing the side out. It is good to see. Hopefully, a new man of the match tonight, and then we go into Super 8s."

"We have 2 changes. Arshdeep comes in for Kuldeep. Axar is resting, and Washington comes in."

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards said, "Yeah, we would have batted first. Looks like a pretty good wicket. Obviously, playing in India is a very good experience. It is all about finishing this well. Probably all over. Looking forward to putting in a complete performance.

"We have one change, Noah Croes is in for Fred Klaassen."

Playing XIs:

Netherlands: Michael Levitt, Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (c), Zach Lion Cachet, Noah Croes, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein

India: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Batting first is the right call with dew later. SKY's captaincy is looking more confident with each game. Excited to see Abhishek Sharma open again! Let's put up a big total, boys.
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Vikram M
Honestly, I'm a bit worried about the bowling. Only three frontline pacers if Hardik doesn't bowl his full quota? Hope the part-timers like Dube and Tilak can chip in. Batting looks solid though.
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Aryan P
The Netherlands team has some good players, can't take them lightly. But playing at the Motera in front of our fans is a huge advantage. Jai Hind!
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Priya S
Love the positive vibe from SKY! "A new man of the match tonight" – that's the spirit. Everyone contributing is key for a long tournament. All the best, Team India! 💙
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David E
Interesting tactical move to bat first and test the bowlers on a similar strip for the next round. Smart thinking from the management. Should be a good contest.

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