India and New Zealand face off in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8, and a large number of IPL players feature in this World Cup final from both squads.
Mumbai Indians Lead the Count
Mumbai Indians have the highest representation in this title clash. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah all belong to the MI camp. On the other side, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner also plays for MI, adding an interesting intra-squad twist to this final.
KKR’s Kiwi Connection
Kolkata Knight Riders hold a strong New Zealand presence. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, bought for a combined Rs 3.50 crore at the IPL auction, have been the tournament’s most destructive opening pair.
All-rounder Rachin Ravindra will also represent KKR in IPL 2026. From India’s side, Varun Chakravarthy and Rinku Singh complete KKR’s lineup in the final.
Other IPL Franchises Represented
Chennai Super Kings have Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube in India’s squad. SunRisers Hyderabad contribute opener Abhishek Sharma and wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan. Delhi Capitals are represented by Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, while Kyle Jamieson belongs to DC from the Kiwi camp.
Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh lines up alongside New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson from the same franchise. Gujarat Titans have Washington Sundar and Mohammed Siraj from India’s squad, plus New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips.
A Final Loaded with Franchise Rivalries
Over 20 IPL-contracted players feature in this final, turning it into an unofficial IPL 2026 preview. KKR teammates Allen, Seifert, and Ravindra will compete directly against their own franchise mate Varun Chakravarthy.
Similarly, Santner will bowl against four of his MI colleagues. For franchises tracking player form ahead of the IPL season, this final carries enormous significance beyond just the World Cup trophy.
