India are likely to include Sanju Samson as opener against Zimbabwe, pushing Ishan Kishan to No.3, while Rinku Singh may miss out as India reshuffle batting to improve starts and Net Run Rate.
India walk into their crucial ICC T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai with pressure firmly on their shoulders. After a disappointing defeat against South Africa, the margin for error has almost disappeared. Qualification is now not just about winning, it is about winning big. And that situation has forced the Indian team management to seriously rethink their Playing XI.
The biggest talking point ahead of tonight’s game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is clear: Sanju Samson is likely to return to the XI. But his inclusion naturally raises one important question- who makes way?
Why Sanju Samson Is Set To Return
India’s biggest concern in this World Cup has been the top order. Surprisingly, a batting unit once considered the strongest in the tournament has struggled to provide solid starts. India currently have the lowest first-wicket average among all teams, which clearly explains the urgency for change.
Sanju Samson brings flexibility and intent at the top. Reports from training sessions suggest he spent long hours batting and keeping wickets, indicating that the management is preparing him for a bigger role. The likely plan now is bold but logical:
- Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson to open the innings
- Ishan Kishan to move to No.3
- Suryakumar Yadav to control the middle overs
This reshuffle allows India to attack early while maintaining stability through the middle phase.
Who Goes OUT?
If Samson comes in, Rinku Singh could be the unfortunate player to miss out, at least for this match.
Rinku has been an important finisher for India, but team balance appears to be the priority. With India needing stronger starts rather than late recovery acts, the management may prefer adding batting strength at the top instead of keeping extra depth at the finish.
Additionally, Rinku briefly left the squad due to a family emergency, which may further influence the decision to ease him back gradually.
Another expected change is Axar Patel returning to strengthen the bowling combination, especially against Zimbabwe’s largely right-handed middle order.
India’s Predicted Playing XI vs Zimbabwe
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
A Must-Win Night in Chennai
With semifinal qualification hanging in the balance, tonight’s match is practically a knockout for India. The crowd in Chennai will finally get to cheer for the home team, and expectations will be massive.
If Sanju Samson delivers at the top, this change could become the turning point of India’s World Cup campaign. But if the gamble fails, questions around India’s batting approach will only grow louder.
For now, all eyes remain on one team sheet, because Sanju Samson coming in might just define India’s World Cup fate tonight.
