Not Tilak Varma! Sanju Samson fighting this star for spot in India Playing XI

India are expected to make changes to their playing XI for the upcoming match against Zimbabwe, which is scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday, February 25. Washington Sundar and Sanju Samson are fighting for a spot in the playing XI, with the latter slightly ahead.

India are facing heavy pressure after a loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad in their opening Super Eight match. The defeat has put the spotlight on their batting, with a focus on changing the left-hander-heavy order. India must win their remaining two Super Eight games to stay in contention for the semifinals.

Sanju Samson Ahead of Washington Sundar in Selection Race

According to Times of India journalist Sahil Malhotra, India are set to make a few clear calls for the upcoming match. Axar Patel is expected to return to the playing XI, while Tilak Varma is likely to retain his place.

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Rinku Singh is highly unlikely to play after flying back home due to his father’s health. As a result, the team management is likely to choose one player between Washington Sundar and Sanju Samson.

Samson appears to be slightly ahead in the race, having been seen doing wicketkeeping drills on the previous evening. It is also worth mentioning that India’s top three are left-handed batters, which has allowed opposition teams to attack with off-spinners from the start.

Tilak Varma likely to retain his place, Axar Patel returns to Playing XI. The call is likely between Washi and Samson now. One of them will feature as Rinku Singh is highly unlikely to play. Looks like Samson slightly ahead. He did keeping drills also last evening.

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) February 25, 2026

India Weigh Batting Order Changes Ahead of Crucial Match

India are still searching for answers at the top of the batting order. Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma have not provided strong starts together, leaving the team management unsure about the best combination.

The selectors are now considering different options. They could send Sanju Samson back up the order or reshuffle the line-up by promoting Suryakumar Yadav.

The match will be played on a centre wicket, which should suit batters more than the slow pitches seen earlier in the tournament. Dew could also play a role, especially if India bowl second. The Men in Blue will also need to secure a big-margin victory to improve their net run rate (NRR).

Sanju Samson’s Only Appearance for India in the T20 World Cup 2026

Sanju Samson has featured in only one match at the T20 World Cup 2026. He returned to the side against Namibia when Abhishek Sharma was unavailable due to a stomach infection and made an impact with a quick 22 off eight balls.

Tilak Varma has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament. He has scored 107 runs from five matches at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate of 118.88.

Washington Sundar played in India’s last two matches, while Axar Patel featured in the first three games. In the ongoing tournament, Axar has taken six wickets in three matches, whereas Sundar is yet to pick up a wicket in his two outings.

Overall, Sundar has taken 51 wickets in 60 T20I matches at an average of 23.80 and an economy rate of 6.98. With the bat, he has scored 265 runs at an average of 16.56 and a strike rate of 132.50.

Also read: Rinku Singh ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026? Sitanshu Kotak delivers official update