Chennai, February 26 – India has included spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in the playing eleven as Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first in a crucial Super Eights clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.
Both India and Zimbabwe need to win the match after suffering heavy defeats to South Africa and the West Indies, respectively. With South Africa beating West Indies in Ahmedabad, India needs to win their two matches if they are to reach the semi-finals.
For defending champions India, Axar replaces Washington Sundar, while Samson, who will also be on keeping duties, replaces Rinku Singh. Samson's inclusion also means that Ishan Kishan has been moved to number three, in an attempt by India to break the left-handed dominant top order, while Tilak Varma is slotted at number five.
There was a massive roar from the Chepauk crowd when India captain Suryakumar Yadav said Samson was playing. "We are happy with the decision, we want to bat first. The boys are ready. The atmosphere in the camp is relaxed. He spoke confidently in the huddle (Hardik), an experienced player, he knows what he brings to the table.
"The team needed that, and I think we'll have a good day tonight. Even if you win or lose, you learn something. Just forget what happened in the last game. Play the same way as you've been playing the whole last year. Enjoy the game and forget everything. Be fearless," he said.
Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza said that Tinotenda Maposa replaces Graeme Cremer in the playing eleven as a tactical change. “This is not your usual Chennai wicket. It looks moist, we want to give the best chance to the seamers. If we can restrict India to a low total, it will go a long way. We are feeling the heat, but our opposition will be feeling the same. It's holding up alright,” he said.
Playing XIs:
India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (captain), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
