India’s probable playing XI against Zimbabwe

New Delhi: The Indian team is now ready for its second important match in the Super-8 round of T20 World Cup 2026. This time he will face Zimbabwe, who can cause an upset any time. This match is very important for India, because the defeat against South Africa has made the path to the semi-finals difficult.

The Indian team not only needs to win, but it also needs to improve its net run rate by winning by a big margin. In such a pressure match, the team management can make some important changes.

Sunil Gavaskar’s suggestion

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given important advice on the team composition. He believes that Akshar Patel should be included in the playing eleven in the upcoming match. Gavaskar says that Akshar’s return is necessary for the balance of the team, so that depth can be brought in batting and variety in bowling.

Middle order challenges

The unstable performance of the middle order of the Indian team has become a matter of major concern. Often only one batsman is performing well in the opening pair. Especially young batsman Tilak Verma is going out of transit. His average in the last five matches has been just 21, in which he has scored only 107 runs.

Increasing pressure on coaching staff

After the defeat against South Africa, questions are being raised on the strategy of the team management. Head coach Gautam Gambhir may now consider the possibility of a change in the team combination. This match is very important for India, because it is necessary to win the next two matches.

Wicketkeeper batsman Sanju Samson can be included in the team in place of Tilak Verma, which can provide stability to the middle order. However, this decision will depend on the strategy of the team management.

Importance of Akshar Patel’s return

T20 team vice-captain Akshar Patel was left out in the last match, due to which questions were raised on the selection process. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gambhir would not like to repeat any mistake in their strategy in the match against Zimbabwe.

Axar’s presence provides many important benefits to the team, such as left-handed batting option, economical spin bowling and energy in fielding. His activity will increase the ability to score runs in the lower order, which will enable the team to score big scores.

Challenging path to semi-finals

India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals are not over yet, but the equations are complex. If South Africa wins both its matches and India is also successful in the remaining matches, then India’s position can be strengthened. But for this the team will have to improve its performance.

The next match is against Zimbabwe, which cannot be taken lightly. In T20 cricket, any team has the potential to cause upsets, so the right combination, strategy and confidence of the players is extremely important.

India’s probable playing-11

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shivam Dubey, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.