IND vs ZIM: Why is Sanju Samson keeping instead of Ishan Kishan in Super 8 clash of T20 World Cup 2026?
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Sanju Samson was preferred as a keeper ahead of Ishan Kishan for IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 clash.
The equation is simple for both India and Zimbabwe in this Super 8 fixture of T20 World Cup 2026. After losing their previous rounds by massive margins, a defeat today will result in elimination. The defending champions find themselves in a unique position after having dominated the T20I format for so long.
India made some big changes, with the decision to extend their batting order with the addition of Sanju Samson as an opener, pushing Ishan Kishan to number 3. It was Rinku Singh who had to make his way out of the team as a result, with Tilak Varma being pushed to 6.
India’s vice-captain Axar Patel returned after being dropped against South Africa, with Washington Sundar playing due to his matchup against left-handed batters. Sikandar Raza won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Chennai has produced the best batting wickets of this competition, an ironic occurrence given its usual tendency to aid spin. Batters have found it easy at Chepauk, with the ball coming nicely on to the bat and hence teams batting first must post a big total to have a good chance.
Why is Sanju Samson keeping for India instead of Ishan Kishan?
The return of Sanju Samson has seen him once again don the gloves behind the stumps, ahead of Ishan Kishan. Kishan had been keeping for all the games so far in the T20 World Cup 2026, but did not seem the most fluent, with a few fumbles and missed chances mainly against Pakistan, which angered Hardik Pandya as well.
Samson is a seasoned keeper, who also performed a similar role at the IPL for Rajasthan Royals (RR), despite the presence of Jos Buttler in the team. Kishan moreover, is a much better out fielder as compared to the Keralite.
In his comeback match, Samson scored a quick-fire 24 off 15, to help his team get off to a flying start. Kishan at his new position, continued his good form scoring 38 off 24 balls. With some changes in the playing XI, India are closing in on a convincing win, ahead of their potential knockout match against the West Indies.
Who is keeping the wickets for India against Zimbabwe ?
Sanju Samson is the wicket-keeper, ahead of Ishan Kishan.
How did Sanju Samson perform in IND vs ZIM?
Samson scored 24 runs off 15 balls.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.