Axar Patel and Sanju Samson Drafted In as India Face Must-Win Super Eights Clash Against Zimbabwe

Chennai, Feb 2026: Defending champions India rang in key changes to their playing eleven by including spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson after Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl first in a crucial Super Eights encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.

Both teams entered the contest under intense pressure, having suffered heavy defeats in their opening Super Eights fixtures — India against South Africa and Zimbabwe against the West Indies. With South Africa already strengthening their semifinal push by beating West Indies in Ahmedabad, India now face a clear equation: win both remaining Super Eights matches to stay in contention for the knockout stage.

The Indian team management made two notable changes to address balance and flexibility. Axar Patel replaced Washington Sundar, adding depth with his left-arm spin and reliable lower-order batting. Sanju Samson came in for Rinku Singh, taking over wicketkeeping duties and offering an aggressive top-order option. Samson’s inclusion also triggered a reshuffle in the batting order, with Ishan Kishan promoted to number three in a tactical move aimed at breaking the left-handed-heavy top order. Tilak Varma, meanwhile, was slotted in at number five to provide stability through the middle overs.

The announcement of Samson’s inclusion was met with a massive roar from the Chepauk crowd, underlining the local favourite’s popularity. India captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed confidence in the team’s mindset and the selections made.

“Happy with the decision, we’re looking to bat first. The boys are ready and the mood in the camp is relaxed,” Suryakumar said at the toss. He also highlighted the influence of Hardik Pandya in the dressing room, calling him an experienced figure who knows exactly what he brings to the side.

“Even if you win or lose, you learn something from it. Forget what happened in the last game and play the same fearless brand of cricket we’ve played over the last year. Enjoy the game and express yourselves,” the skipper added, stressing the importance of mental clarity in high-pressure matches.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza explained his decision to bowl first, pointing to the unusual nature of the Chennai pitch. Contrary to its traditional reputation as a spin-friendly surface, Raza felt there was enough moisture to assist seamers early on. As a result, Zimbabwe made a tactical change, bringing in Tinotenda Maposa in place of Graeme Cremer.

“It’s not your usual Chennai wicket. It looks moist, and we want to give our seamers the best chance. If we can restrict India to a low total, it will go a long way,” Raza said. He added that while the heat would be a factor, both teams were dealing with the same conditions.

For India, the match represents a test of resilience and adaptability. The inclusion of Axar and Samson, along with the batting order tweaks, reflects a proactive approach to correcting shortcomings from the previous loss. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back and keep their slim semifinal hopes alive with a disciplined bowling effort and improved batting display.

With the stakes high and the Chepauk crowd firmly behind the hosts, the clash promises to be a decisive chapter in the Super Eights stage.

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