IND vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026: Do or die match against Zimbabwe! There will be 3 major changes in Team India’s playing XI? Sanju Samson may enter

News India Live, Digital Desk: After the crushing 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa, now Team India will face Zimbabwe tomorrow i.e. on 26th February to remain in the race for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. M.A. Chennai In this ‘must-win’ match to be held at Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir can make major changes in the playing XI. Why are the changes necessary? The top order of the Indian team (Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Verma) has been struggling in the last few matches. The opposition teams are trapping the Indian left-handed batsmen by using off-spinners right from the start. There is a dire need of a right-handed batsman to break this maze. India’s Probable Playing XI against Zimbabwe Player Role Possible Changes Ishan Kishan Wicketkeeper / Opener – Abhishek Sharma / Sanju Samson Opener Sanju’s return possible Tilak Verma / Sanju Samson Middle Order Tilak may be out Suryakumar Yadav (C) Batsman – Hardik PandyaAllrounder-Shivam DubeyAllrounder-Akshar PatelSpin allrounder Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep YadavSpinner-Varun ChakrabortySpinner-Jasprit BumrahFast bowler-Arshdeep SinghFast bowler-3 possible major changes (Key Tactical Changes)1. Return of Sanju Samson (In: Sanju Samson, Out: Abhishek/Tilak) The coaching staff has paid special attention to Sanju Samson in the net session. He can fit in as a right-handed batsman in the top-order. Either Abhishek Sharma or Tilak Verma, who is struggling with poor form, may have to sit on the bench.2. Rinku Singh’s absence (Family Emergency) As the news has come, Rinku Singh has returned home due to family reasons (father’s illness). In his place, Axar Patel will be brought back into the team to strengthen the middle order, which will provide depth in both batting and bowling.3. Washington Sundar vs Axar Patel (Axar Patel Back)Chennai’s pitch is considered helpful for spinners. Although Sundar is a local player, the return of vice-captain Axar Patel is almost certain after he was expensive in the last match. Pitch Report and Strategy (Chepauk Pitch Report) Pitch: This match is likely to be held on Chepauk’s pitch number 5, which may be favorable for the batsmen, but as the game progresses, the spinners will dominate. Strategy: Zimbabwe has experienced spinners like Sikandar Raza. India will have to focus on its ‘strike rotation’ and not losing wickets in the initial overs.