Will Sanju Samson play tonight for IND vs ZIM in Super 8 clash of T20 World Cup 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Sanju Samson has played just one game for India in the T20 World Cup 2026.
India will take on Zimbabwe in their second Super 8 clash of T20 World Cup 2026 in Chennai on February 26, Thursday. This is a must-win game for them, having lost their first game against South Africa. The team might make a few changes for this game with the qualification for semi-final on the line.
The likes of Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh have all underperformed so far in the tournament. Tilak has got starts but has failed to make them into big scores. Abhishek scored three ducks to start his campaign and scored just 15 off 12 balls against the Proteas in a losing cause. Rinku Singh has not been able to finish games for India as expected.
As per various reports, Indian team management is keen on bringing back Sanju Samson into the XI to break the sequence of left-handers in the top order. Samson might replace one of the out-of-form batters in the lineup. It will be interesting to see with whom he replaces, especially with India struggling against off-spinners.
Sanju Samson likely to replace Rinku Singh for IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 clash
With Abhishek, Tilak and Rinku struggling for runs, Samson might come into the XI in place of one of the southpaws. Given that the team needs the batting firepower at the top, it might be Rinku who might have to make his way out.
There were reports that Rinku might miss the game due to a family emergency. He even flew back home to meet his ailing father. However, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said in the pre-match press conference that Rinku will join the team ahead of their match against Zimbabwe. Despite his return, it might be him who might lose his place to Samson, with the management still willing to give chances to Abhishek and Tilak.
In another massive change in the lineup, Axar Patel might reclaim his place instead of Washington Sundar. Axar missed the previous two games for India. However, with the Sundar experiment not working, the management might go back to Axar with just two left-handers in Zimbabwe’s top-order. His overs will be crucial for India, as will be his hitting ability lower down the order.
India’s Probable XI vs Zimbabwe
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun CV, Jasprit Bumrah
When did Sanju Samson last play in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Sanju Samson played against Namibia, scoring 22 off just 8 balls.
Where will be the IND vs ZIM Super 8 match be played?
The IND vs ZIM Super 8 match will be played in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram stadium.
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Anshuman Roy is a senior cricket journalist with nearly a decade of experience covering the game. His love for cricket began in childhood, playing at school and college level before turning that passion into a profession. Over the years, he has written for several reputed media houses and specialises in news, features, previews, reviews, match reports, and opinion pieces.