Will Sanju Samson play in IND vs ZIM clash in T20 World Cup 2026? India's batting coach gives big statement
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Sanju Samson has only played one game in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far.
India are gearing up for the match against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place on February 26 at Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. After India’s humiliating 76-run defeat against South Africa in the previous match, some changes are expected in the playing XI for the IND vs ZIM match.
Especially, after the continuous poor performance of Abhishek Sharma with the bat, there is talk of Sanju Samson‘s return in the match against Zimbabwe. The left-handed batter was gone for ducks in his first three games before getting out for 15 runs against the Proteas.
Samson played in Sharma’s absence in India’s second clash against Namibia in the league stage, where he got out for 22 runs off eight deliveries. As he failed to make a mark with the bat, Sharma was preferred over him in the following games.
Sitanshu Kotak responds to Sanju Samson’s return in the IND vs ZIM clash
In the press conference ahead of the IND vs ZIM clash on Wednesday (February 25), India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was asked about Sanju Samson’s return in the playing XI.
He said there could be some changes in the top order as the opposition teams use off-spinners because of our top three left-handers. He also added that India do not need too many changes in their batting unit.
“There can be changes. It goes without saying because there are two lefties at the top and opposition are bowling off spinners. I personally think it is not a problem, but since we have lost early wickets, there will be thoughts,” said Kotak.
“I honestly don’t think we have to change much. There are 15 players and there will be discussions about combinations. If our openers click it will be different. Because of some failures, we had lost some momentum,” Kotak added.
Samson was chosen as the opener for India alongside Abhishek Sharma just ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in the T20I series against New Zealand. However, he got out cheaply across five games in the series, ending up with 46 runs, including a golden duck.
As a result, Ishan Kishan was preferred over him as the first-choice wicket-keeper as well as an opener. Kishan scored his maiden century in the T20I series against New Zealand and won Player of the Match awards in two games out of four.
How many games has Sanju Samson played in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Sanju Samson has played only one game in the T20 World Cup 2026.
When will the IND vs ZIM match take place?
The IND vs ZIM match will take place on February 26 at Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.