T20 World Cup 2026: Samson, Axar included as Zimbabwe invite India to bat first in must-win Super 8 clash

New Delhi: Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field first against India in their Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, February 26. The Men in Blue made two changes to their playing XI, with Sanju Samson replacing Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel coming in place of Washington Sundar. The visitors also made one change to their playing XI with Tinotenda Maposa replacing Cremer.

Samson’s inclusion came amid the poor form of Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma at the top-order, both of whom have struggled to score runs in the tournament. Abhishek has scored just 15 runs in four matches, registering three consecutive ducks, and Tilak has amassed only 107 runs at a strike rate of 118.88 while batting at number three.

Meanwhile, Rinku has scored just 24 runs while batting in the lower order. Samson will open the innings with Abhishek, while Ishan Kishan will bat at number three. Washington Sundar has struggled to deliver with the bat and ball in India’s last two games has been replaced by Axar Patel. Captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss said that the team is ready, and the mood in the camp is also relaxed.

“Boys are ready. Mood in the camp is relaxed. The way he spoke in the huddle (Hardik), experienced player, he knows what he brings to the table. Team required that and I think we’ll have a good day tonight. Even if you win or lose, you learn something out of it. Just forget what happened in the last game. Play the same way as you’ve been playing last whole year. Enjoy the game and forget everything. Be fearless. Two changes: Axar comes in for Washington, Samson comes in for Rinku. Sanju will keep,” skipper Suryakumar said at the toss.

Playing XI of India and Zimbabwe

India: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotena Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.