Defending champions India have recalled Sanju Samson and Axar Patel for their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s match against Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to bowl first.
IND vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: Live updates | Scorecard
The two changes come after India suffered a heavy defeat against South Africa in the previous Super 8s game, which put their semi-final qualification under pressure. Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar are the two players to make way.
The inclusion of Samson was met with huge cheers from the Chepauk crowd as Suryakumar Yadav confirmed his name at the toss. It’s not hard to see why. In IPL 2026, the wicketkeeper-batsman will represent Chennai Super Kings, who recently moved from Rajasthan Royals in an all-cash deal and has apparently been embraced by the Chennai faithful.
He was also the first Indian player to warm up before the toss, practiced catching and enjoyed some football with Rinku Singh, the player he replaced in the playing XI.
Samson returns after a spell on the bench. He last appeared in India’s group stage win over Namibia, score 22 off just eight balls to top the order. Suryakumar confirmed that he would keep the wickets, with Ishan Kishan making his way behind the stumps.
His recall also addresses concerns that have been growing in the camp. On the eve of the match, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak hinted that India were discussing the issue of three left-handers at the top of the order.
Zimbabwe have also clearly done their homework when they specifically coached the left-handers to play a wide crease and put markers on the pitch for their spinners during Wednesday’s session. With the arrival of Samson, India seem to have broken that cluster at the top.
The return of Axar is equally remarkable. The vice-captain was dropped for the match against South Africa in favor of Washington Sundar, a decision that drew sharp criticism. India lost heavily and the management quickly decided to bring him back into the side.
Zimbabwe also made one change with Tinotenda Maposa replacing Richard Cremer.
India’s path to the semi-finals remains in their own hands. Wins over Zimbabwe and the West Indies will be enough to see them through, with the net run rate not concerned. South Africa’s win over West Indies in Ahmedabad on Thursday made the equation even clearer for Rohit Sharma’s side.
India Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah
Zimbabwe Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotena Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
26 Feb 2026 18:50 IST
