India coach all but confirms Sanju Samson's return to Playing XI vs Zimbabwe
Published - 25 Feb 2026, 03:39 PM | Updated - 25 Feb 2026, 04:01 PM
Table of Contents
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dropped a big hint that big changes could be coming to the playing XI for the do-or-die Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 26.
Sitanshu Kotak hints at major Playing XI changes for do-or-die Zimbabwe clash
Kotak shared that the Indian cricket team is seriously thinking about bringing Sanju Samson back into the side after recent top-order failures in the tournament.
The defending champions are reviewing their combination carefully, as the openers failed in the last three games and put pressure on the middle order and disturbed the team’s rhythm.
Read Also: Rinku Singh ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026? Sitanshu Kotak delivers official update
Sitanshu Kotak said at the pre-match press conference, "There have been discussions around that (on Samson), and we are thinking. We will see because we never decide the team early. But there will be thoughts.”
Sanju Samson likely to return as India rework top order after repeated failures
Another concern is the presence of multiple left-handers in the lineup. The rival teams have smartly used off-spinners early in the innings to create trouble in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Well, Kotak said that they are set to address this issue in Chennai.
However, the final call will be taken on the match day. He added, “There can be changes in the game. We are thinking of the top three left-handers and the opposition's bowling off spin. Now that we have lost openers early in 3 matches, we are talking about it.”
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma have not performed well together so far in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Because of which, the Indian cricket team management is now worried and willing to replace Tilak with Sanju Samson against Zimbabwe.
Tilak Varma vs Sanju Samson
Speaking about the performances, Tilak Varma has scored 107 runs in five matches so far while batting at No. 3. But the left-handed batter’s strike rate of 118.88 is lower than what fans expect in T20 cricket, with the team feeling the need for more attacking intent at the top.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson has got only one chance in the ongoing tournament. He made his World Cup debut against Namibia in Delhi after Abhishek Sharma fell ill. But Samson managed just 22 runs and could not make a big impact.
Read Also: 'Angry' Gautam Gambhir brutally scolded Suryakumar Yadav & Co. after India's loss to South Africa
Sanju Samson hints big comeback with explosive nets show in Chennai
However, India’s practice sessions in Chennai have hinted at Samson’s return to the playing XI. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter looked in dangerous form against fast bowlers, hitting big shots with confidence. He looked very comfortable at Chepauk, the home ground of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he will soon play in the IPL.
Apart from the Kerala player, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak also looked more positive in the nets, as they were playing freely and attacking more. The pitch for the Zimbabwe match is expected to be a black-soil surface, the same type that produced a high-scoring thriller earlier in the tournament.
It is likely to help batters, giving India a golden chance to post a massive total against Zimbabwe as they are aiming to boost their Net Run Rate significantly apart from winning this Super 8 match to boost their chances for the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals.
About the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ...
