India are likely to make key changes to their line-up in the do-or-die clash against Zimbabwe. The co-hosts have their backs against the wall after losing their previous match to South Africa by a huge margin of 76 runs, meaning they are likely to shake up their playing XI.
The most anticipated change of all could be the return of Sanju Samson to the playing XI. Sanju played only one match in the T20 World Cup – against Namibia where he scored 22 off 8 balls. He could be called in to counter India’s main problem – their weaknesses against off-spin.
Samson is expected to line up as an opener, displacing Ishan Kishan at No.3 in the lineup. He would replace Rinka Singh in the XI who was forced to fly out of Chennai to take care of his father who is currently hospitalized in Greater Noida.
While Rinku returned to Chennai on the evening of February 25, India are unlikely to field a batsman who might be in a bad mental state. This means that Tilak Varma, who has been in terrible form, could retain his place in the lineup.
There was huge criticism from fans and pundits for not playing Axar Patel in Ahmedabad. India are likely to rectify this issue by replacing him with Washington Sundar in the lineup.
Axar looked in exceptional touch with the bat in both the Ahmedabad and Chennai nets and his inclusion will help India add float to their batting line-up.
IND vs ZIM: Do-or-Die
This is a must-win game for India, who suffered a massive blow to their net run rate after losing to South Africa. India will not only have to win the match but will have to win it by a big margin to stay in contention for the semi-finals.
India will also be keeping a close eye on the West Indies vs South Africa match to be played in Ahmedabad. If West Indies win this match, it will be really tough for India.
IND vs ZIM Predicted XI
India predicted XI
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.
Zimbabwe predicted XI
Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.
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– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
February 25, 2026
