The stage is set for the biggest ICC showpiece of the year as India gear up to take on New Zealand in the final of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The match will be played in Ahmedabad which has not been a favourable hunting ground for India in major ICC competitions.

They lost the final of the 2023 Men’s World Cup at the very same venue and recently crashed out against South Africa in the Super 8 round. One of the world's most iconic stadiums has turned into a nightmare for India and its fans. The Indian dugout will need to fight their demons and to change the narrative with a win on Sunday.

Let us take a look at all that needs to be done by the Men in Blue.

1. Didn’t read the pitch well.

The Indian dugout did not read the pitch well. India’s loss was decided even before the final began in 2023 because of their demand of a slow pitch against Australia. Their strategy backfired against them and threw their entire gameplan out of the window. This time, they should come prepared and read the pitch well and use it to their advantage rather than watching the opponent making the most out of it.

2. Got slow in the middle overs

India’s middle over drought was one of the main reasons behind their defeat against Australia in 2023. They went 90 balls without scoring a boundary and eventually couldn’t score a winnable total. The Indian middle order opted for a more conservative style of play and did not attack the Australian bowlers. This time, they should avoid a situation like that and keep the scoreboard rotating consistently.

3. Dependability on a few players

Back in 2023, India were heavily dependent on Rohit Sharma for an aggressive start and then on Virat Kohli to handle the remainder of innings. Unfortunately, Rohit Sharma was dismissed early by Australia and even Kohli couldn’t do much even though he scored a half century. India should avoid being dependent on just Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan for a good start and the other players should take responsibility.

4. Bowlers could have done more than what they did

Indian’s bowling lineup became very predictable against Australia back in 2023. Mohammed Shami couldn’t cast his magic in the opening overs which led to a match winning partnership between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. Had the bowlers done something out of the box to take the Australian batters by surprise, the story could have been different. This time, India should prepare certain gameplans for all the New Zealand batters.

5. Read batters well

Travis Head came in like an out of syllabus question for the Indian bowling unit in the final. He showed no mercy and took everyone down. Head seemed invincible and the bowlers looked clueless as they couldn’t get him out. India should prepare really well for the likes of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert to avoid a replay of the 2023 final.